The oldest man in England has credited his long life to just being lazy. Though he may not look a day over 100, he is actually a day over 110. Reg Dean celebrated his 110th birthday on November 4. Having felt unwell, he was presented his birthday cake in bed. But his age does not seem to be an indicator on how firm his mind is; when asked how he felt to be 110, he said that he felt one year older than 109.

Reg Dean was an army chaplain during World War II, stationed in Burma. Since the Great War, he returned to his native country and worked as a teacher for 10 years. Dean spent the majority of his working years as a minister, however. He worked as a minister until his retirement at the age of 80.

Dean and his family also credit his longevity to a brown potion that he drank before the outbreak of the First World War. After performing a favor for a doctor in Bombay, the man gave him a potion. He said that, if he drank it, he would live to 100. Dean drank it - saying that he was young, naïve, and could not say no. Now, having seen his hundredth birthday pass before his eyes a decade ago, Dean cannot contest the power of the elixir.

Dean has been married three times over the course of his life. Born in 1902, he has lived through two world wars, five monarchs, 21 prime ministers, and 28 leap years. After the Second World War, Dean says that he is lucky to be alive.

Dean was the second-oldest man in England after Stanley Lucas, from Cornwall. But Mr. Lucas died in June 2010 at the age of 110.

A concert was held on Saturday to celebrate Dean's birthday. Dean says that he is looking forward to the celebration when he turns 130 years old.

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