Live and Let Live To 100! World War II Veteran Reveals Secrets to Long Life!

A Greasy Start Shaken Not Stirred

Right let's cut to the chase. This Ralph Young a chap who's seen a century pass – quite a feat even for a seasoned agent like myself. Seems he was dodging draft notices back in '43 volunteering for the U.S. Navy like a martini dodges vermouth. His mother's tears? Touching I suppose though Q Branch gadgets are more my forte. Grew up in Kentucky he did without the luxuries we take for granted. No electricity no running water just a garden and some homemade goods. Sounds like a Bond villain's hideout before the renovations doesn't it?

From Laundry Duty to Global Ventures

At ten years old Young was already doing the laundry and cooking. It builds character they say. I wouldn't know really. I've got Moneypenny for that sort of thing. Fast forward a few years and our Ralph's an engineer globe trotting to Thailand and Indonesia. Must've been a welcome change from Greasy Ridge. Still not quite as glamorous as a casino in Monaco but one does what one must. Sounds like he nearly had a 'license to kill' some boredom.

Alzheimer's and a Second Act

Tragedy struck as it often does. His first wife Charlotte succumbed to Alzheimer's. At 81 Young pondered hanging up his hat. Retirement? Not for this chap. He realized 'Always have something to do.' Wise words indeed. Keeps the mind sharp unlike some of the villains I've encountered. I never say never do I? Besides I can't retire when the world is still full of Blofelds.

A Christmas Miracle For Your Eyes Only

Then came Janice a familiar face from 40 years prior. She offered a simple 'I understand,' and that my friends is often all it takes. A Christmas invitation rekindled flames and suddenly Young found himself remarried. 'You can do a lot of things you don't think you can do,' he quipped. It's like facing Oddjob with nothing but a shoe – improbable yet sometimes just sometimes it works.

The Name's Young Ralph Young

Ralph Young's secret? Faith a can do attitude and keeping busy. Now that's a cocktail worth mixing. Forget the Vodka Martini shaken not stirred I'll take a double dose of that elixir any day. It sounds like he's definitely got all the qualities to succeed in life. Perhaps he even would have made a good 00 agent!

CNBC's Career Change: Licence to Earn!

And if you're feeling inspired to chase your dreams CNBC's career course is being advertised. A new career? Sounds like a licence to earn some real money and live like a Bond. Sign up and perhaps you could afford a decent watch. Don't worry about the exploding pen though. I seem to have misplaced it. All in all Young's tale is a reminder that life is for living even past the point where most of us are ready for a well deserved rest. Now if you'll excuse me I have a villain to foil and a martini to order. Cheers!