Does Red Wine Help You Live Longer? This 103-Year-Old Has An Answer

At a time when various health concerns are on the rise and we witness young people suffering unexpected complications, here is a man who has defeated the average lifespan of a human being – Sal Salvador Perce. Celebrating his 103rd birthday this week, World War II veteran Sal Perce, a resident of Wisconsin, marked the occasion alongside the Lakeside Fire Department and other well-wishers. In 2019, at the age of 101, Sal Perce was honoured with WMTV’s Making a Difference Award for his dedicated volunteer work at a local hospital. Perce attributed his longevity to three simple factors: doctors, pharmacists, and a nightly glass of red wine.

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Reflecting on his volunteering, Perce expressed his enjoyment in connecting with people while assisting them. “I like finding people I can talk to while helping them with whatever it is. I find it refreshing. I’ll stay around an extra hour too as it doesn’t matter to me. I enjoy being there,” Sal told WMTV.

Having reportedly served in the U.S. Army for nearly four years during World War II, he highlighted the importance of remaining active and engaged, stating that one is never too old to contribute.

Sal Perce, originally from Cicero, Illinois, worked as a bus driver and later as a supervisor for the Chicago Transit Authority. Following retirement in 1985, he and his late wife, Mary Lou, relocated to Janesville. Despite Mary Lou’s passing in 2011, Perce continues to be surrounded by family, including four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His claim regarding the health benefits of red wine aligns with research from the National Library of Medicine in the U.S. According to their findings, moderate daily wine consumption may aid in preventing various chronic diseases, thanks to the presence of antioxidants such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, and catechins in red wine.

Resveratrol, in particular, plays a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases by neutralising free radicals, penetrating the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nerve cells, and reducing platelet aggregation to counteract blood clot formation. This review aims to summarize the current research supporting the positive impact of wine consumption on human organ function, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular health.