French Man Passes Away at Age 110, But Not Before Sharing the Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Philippe Vocanson passed away peacefully at a retirement home in central France at the weekend, having reached the grand old age of 110.  Before his death Philippe was officially recognised as the country's oldest man. Happily, he put his longevity down to a diet that included plenty of our two favourite 'c' words - cheese and chocolate. In June of last year, the former shoemaker had been awarded the "Medal of the City" in his hometown of Saint-Etienne. Born in October 1904, Philippe had two children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Philippe's wife passed away 30 years ago.

In an interview, Vocanson, known as "Le doyen des Français", admitted that he never smoked and drank very little, but added that he had quite the soft spot for both chocolate and cheese.