Many people dream of living a long and fulfilling life, yet the common advice given on how to achieve this—things like getting up early to exercise or maintaining a strict diet—often feels too demanding to follow. In the midst of such advice, one centenarian’s take on longevity offers a refreshing perspective: a simple daily habit that many of us might already indulge in—enjoying a cold beer in the afternoon!

Beer is rarely associated with health benefits, but it seems to have been a secret ingredient in the long and vibrant life of Andrew E. Slavonic, a World War II veteran from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Celebrating his remarkable 102nd birthday on December 1, Andrew became an internet sensation after revealing his key to longevity: his daily ritual of savoring a Coors Light.

The 102-year-old’s story captivated many when he openly shared his belief that his afternoon beer was a “medicine” of sorts. “I can sit here and drink this all day,” he once remarked in an interview. To many, this might seem like an unconventional approach to living a long life, but it’s a practice that has worked for Andrew.

Andrew’s fondness for beer began long ago, and even in his younger years, he made it a point to unwind with a cold one after his daily chores. “I would mow my lawn around four in the afternoon,” he recalled. “Once I finished, that’s when I’d have my Coors Light. It just hit the spot.” Over the years, this simple pleasure became a daily tradition, one that continues even now as he celebrates his milestone birthday.

The ritual has become a family affair. For the past 15 years, Andrew has shared this moment with his son, Bob. Every day, right around 4:00 p.m., Bob reminds his father that it’s time for their shared beer. Andrew, who has always been a loyal fan of Coors Light, heads to the garage fridge to grab a cold one. “Around 4:00 p.m., he tells me it’s time for our beer,” Bob said in an interview. “He knows exactly when it’s time, and we enjoy a nice cold one together.”

This afternoon ritual isn’t just about the beer—it’s a symbol of Andrew’s lifestyle. Despite his age, he remains incredibly independent and active. Bob shares that his father’s mornings are filled with activity and routine: “He wakes up at 8:30 a.m., gets dressed, and heads to the kitchen to prepare his own breakfast,” Bob said. Afterward, Andrew cooks his own lunch and spends time reading the newspaper in his home office.

For many who meet Andrew and hear about his vibrant lifestyle, it’s hard to believe that he’s truly 102 years old. “When people ask about my dad and I tell them he’s turning 102, they’re always surprised,” Bob explained. “They say he looks more like he’s in his 70s than his 100s.”

Andrew’s story resonated with beer enthusiasts everywhere, and it didn’t take long for it to catch the attention of his favorite brewery, Coors. Upon hearing about their most dedicated fan, Coors invited Andrew to their headquarters in Golden, Colorado, for a memorable visit. There, he was given a private tour of the brewery and, of course, a cold beer at 4:00 p.m. The experience was a dream come true for Andrew, and his son shared that his reaction was priceless: “The look on his face was absolutely priceless,” Bob said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I think it meant a lot to him.”

As Andrew celebrates his incredible achievement of living past 100, his story serves as a testament to the idea that good things can happen to those who embrace the little joys in life. For Andrew, that joy is in the form of his daily beer. In fact, the cold drink has become more than just a tool for longevity—it’s a beloved part of his routine, offering him a sense of pleasure that transcends its health benefits. “I just love to drink it,” he says with a smile. “It’s a good flavor, and I really enjoy it.”

Andrew’s 102 years of life are filled with not only memories of service in World War II but also a commitment to enjoying the simple pleasures—whether that’s time spent with his family, keeping active, or enjoying his favorite beverage.

Now, as Andrew turns 102, many may look to his example and wonder if a cold beer in the afternoon could be a key to living a long and healthy life. Of course, Andrew’s story is unique, and his personal choices have worked well for him. Whether or not a beer each day will be the magic formula for others is debatable, but one thing is clear: Andrew is living proof that sometimes, the little things—the moments of joy, the small rituals—can add up to something greater. For him, that’s not just a long life, but a life full of love, family, and the enjoyment of the simple things.

So, as we raise a glass in honor of Andrew’s 102nd birthday, we can’t help but admire the way he has embraced life. It’s a reminder to us all to find joy in the everyday moments, no matter how small they may seem, and perhaps—just maybe—there’s something to be said for cracking open a cold beer at the end of the day. Here’s to you, Andrew—may we all be as active, independent, and joyful as you at 102!