Paul Crochet was born on a plantation in Iberia Parish.

“Of nine children, I was eight. They’re all deceased except for me,” the 97 year old said.
Crochet calls the woman he married his fondest memory from his younger years. The couple has been married for 68 years. He said his wife is in recovery after a stroke a few years back.

He met his wide after he was discharged from the Navy and 1946.

 “I joined the college here at UL (Lafayette) and met my wife there,” says Crochet. “It was love at first sight.”

The Crochets have three children and lots of grandchildren.

He said family is important to him. He has many pictures of special moments. He also has a log of what contributes to his longevity.

 He says the key is exercise from yoga and taking long walks.

And wear a Fitbit helps with keeping up with his workout. He said 2016 was a particularly active year.
“The steps for the year were 1,279,165. I walked for 550 miles and calories burned were 375,923.”

 Crochet said if he had to live life over again, he would consider being a musician.
  
“I only sang and everybody would make me sing,” he said.” If I had to do it again, it I would be in music.”

Instead, he pursued a different path, spending 40 years as a certified public assistant.

 “My wife use to take care of the office and I use to go out to clients’ offices,” he said.

He advice for young people is this: “They need to get their education straight.”