Elderly UK man wins hearts talking about the coronavirus crisis

An elderly man in the UK has won hearts around the world after sharing his thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic.

Owen Filer, who turns 101 later this year, has lived through the Great Depression from 1929 - 1933 as well as World War II.

Filer told ITV News he thinks the current health crisis being experienced around the world is "worse than the war".

"It's unseen, isn't it," he said, calling the pandemic "very scary."

Filer lives in Newport, Wales and was spotted by ITV reporter Rob Osborne in January. The pair officially met and when Filer told Osborne how old he was, Osborne could hardly believe it.

This latest interview, which was recorded earlier this week, has aired in the UK, with Filer winning hearts around the world.

During the interview, Filer told Osbourne he misses his daily routine while socially distancing from others, but added he has been touched by offers of help from neighbours.

"I've had people say to me, 'Do you want anything Mr. Filer? I'll do your shopping for you,'" he told ITV News.

"I've never heard that before but at least they are there now. They've suddenly remembered — we've all got to help one another."

Filer has four children aged in their 60s and 70s and, fingers crossed, the family has managed to avoid contracting COVID-19.

He told Osbourne he has been staying healthy during the pandemic by taking walks and riding his scooter near his home.

Filer said he tries to stay fit, and this has certainly worked for him if appearances are anything to go by.