AT 100 years old, David Grant has no plans of slowing down or stopping learning. The retired mechanical engineer is embracing artificial intelligence, still holds a valid driver’s licence and jokes that he would happily live for another 30 years if he could.

Grant, a resident at Graceland Nursing Home, celebrated his milestone birthday on Saturday surrounded by family and friends, with some relatives travelling from Australia to mark the special occasion.

“I never thought that I would live long enough to see my 100th birthday,” said a joyful Grant. “Now that I am here, I would like to live for another 30 years.”

Born in 1926, Grant has witnessed a century of change, from technological advances to the transformation of modern-day South Africa. Yet, despite reaching such a significant milestone, the centenarian remains as curious as ever.

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“I am currently learning about AI and how to navigate it. As an engineer, I think that I have adapted well to the technological changes, which is wonderful because I can communicate with family and friends all over the world.”

Grant spent much of his working life as a mechanical engineer, describing himself as someone who has always preferred learning by doing. Whether it was building ski boats, repairing vehicles or taking on new projects, he has always believed in creating things himself rather than buying them.

Although a recent heart condition has forced him to slow down, his enthusiasm for life remains unchanged.

“I really don’t feel like I’m 100 years old, even with a pacemaker. If I still had a car, I would be driving myself around,” he said with a smile. “I still have a valid driving licence, for another two years at least.”

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His passion for engineering and problem-solving has also been passed down to his son, Bret Grant, who now lives in Australia with his wife, Ingrid Maria Grant, and their family. Bret said some of his fondest memories are of working alongside his father on home projects and building jet skis together.

“In the beginning, when I got involved with jet skis, he would assist me with bits and pieces because his background is in engineering. There were a lot of things that he knew about that I didn’t.

“When my children were growing up, we would go to Hazelmere Dam and take the jet skis out together. He taught me a lot of things that I couldn’t do. I’m like him now and like to do things myself rather than paying someone to do it.”

For Grant, turning 100 is not about looking back on the years gone by, but about continuing to embrace new experiences. As he enjoyed his birthday, his friend Patrick Dyer said, “I hope when I turn 100, I look as good you.”

His wife Tessa Dyer added, “Happy birthday Dave.”

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