Milwaukee man rings in 100th birthday at Wauwatosa's YMCA

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- What's the secret to a long life? One Milwaukee man has the answer.

Inside the Wauwatosa YMCA, right past the row of treadmills and spin bikes, Fred Presti rang in his birthday a day early. He’ll turn 100-years-old on Tuesday," Sept. 16 and he’ll tell you he’s never felt better.

“Why do I feel good? Because the doctor told me I feel good,” said Presti.

For the last 25 years, Presti has been a regular at the Wauwatosa YMCA.

“At first, many years ago, I used to work on the machine, but now I can’t do that anymore,” said Presti.

These days, he spends his time checking in with his friends who work there.

“For a lot of people, especially we found this out during COVID, a lot of people suffered with isolation and staying home and not feeling connected to people,” said Paul Badey, the assistant executive director of the YMCA. “Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

While Presti may no longer move on the machines, moving around this gym keeps him going.

“I have a strong willpower, and I don’t let nothing get the best of me,” said Presti.

The secret to turning 100? Presti says a good diet helps, but there’s always a few cheat days in between.

“A sandwich. A good sandwich. And a piece of pie,” said Presti.

Most importantly, Presti says a long life starts with having a healthy heart, and a loving heart.

“I like everything. I enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, I love everybody,” said Presti.

Happy Birthday!