INTERVIEW WITH ESTONIA: Nonagenarian!

Happy birthday! How do you feel?

Good. I just had a birthday physical and they checked my pulse -- 72, as a matter of fact. Just like the US. How about that? I don't think it's going to stay that stable all the time, but maybe once I get to be 200...

Big party coming up tomorrow?

Definitely. This is the big one, as far as I'm concerned, not 100, and you know why? Because I can still celebrate with some of the good people who were there when I was born. True, all of the Estonians who made sure I got my birth certificate are now gone. But there are still so many spry old people who are older than I am, who might even have had a puff on a cigar when they were passing them out. I just heard of a guy the other day who's 103, and sharp as a tack.

The comeback makes it all the sweeter for you. You were in a coma for 50 years...

I would call it an out-of-body experience.

What's the secret of long life for you?

(chuckles) You're going to have to ask one of these journalists, especially that fella with that British newspaper, sometimes I think these guys understand me better than I do, and I mean that.

But one thing is this: not making any sharp turns. And I would drop one little hint. Moderate alcohol consumption. Sometimes I like to have a nightcap, after 8pm.

What's your goal for the next 90 years?

We need to mend some fences with neighbours.

We also need to remember. Talking to those old fellows I mentioned is important. As for me, not repeating the mistakes of my youth. I still have trouble with that one, sometimes. You start thinking back sometimes and want to feel young again. Instead of just feeling good in your own skin.