Apart from his birthday being on New Year’s Day, the word new isn’t often associated with Tra Dang anymore.
Thursday 1 January marked the 102nd trip around the sun for the great-grandfather who was born in 1924, left his native Vietnam in 1979, emigrated to Australia in 1982 and who has lived in Footscray since 1984.
It’s a remarkable milestone and one which Mr Dang and his wife Thi Bay Nguyen celebrated with friends and some of their seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren, at their home at Royal Freemasons 2 January.
Also there was Maribyrnong mayor Mohamed Semra who presented Mr Dang with a certificate recognising his longevity.
According to the man himself, it’s longevity which has a very simple explanation.
“I believe it comes from living a healthy lifestyle,” Mr Dang said in correspondence with Star Weekly last week.
“I exercise regularly, eat a nutritious diet, and attend regular medical check-ups.”
Mr Dang said avoiding stress and regular relaxation were also keys to living a long life, adding that his current lifestyle allowed for both.
“My life now is very relaxed.
“Every day I exercise and go for walks around the aged care home, and I take part in the programs provided by the aged care home, such as gardening, cooking, playing bingo, and joining happy hour every Friday.
“Every one to two weeks, the staff organise bus outings for my wife and me to shopping centres, beaches, parks, and local restaurants and cafés, which we really enjoy.”
