His usual Friday bridge game will be on the cards tomorrow but next weekend he will have a low-key birthday celebration in Tea Gardens with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The well-known local was the focus of international media attention in 2012 after he graduated with a Master of Clinical Science (Complementary Medicine) at the age of 97.

Before his 2012 success he already held the title of world's oldest graduate after completing a law degree at the age of 91.

"I'm a great believer in exercising the mind and body as much as you can," he said.

Aside from good genes, Dr Stewart believes there are four key points to a long and fruitful life.

"It's about fitness of mind, fitness of body, spiritual fitness and fitness of purpose," he said.

He said spiritual fitness included building up a social capital through interaction with family, friends and the community. Fitness of purpose is about waking up each day with a goal.

Dr Stewart, who worked as a dentist in England and Australia, built a holiday home in Hawks Nest in the 1970s and has lived in Tea Gardens since 2000.

He as been involved with the bridge and golf club as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the Community Technology Centre and the Clinic Bus Service.

At just one year shy of a century he plans to continue to live independently, drive, grow his own fruit and vegetables and give family and friends advice on law and natural medicine matters.