Spain's oldest tavern keeper, 97, still working and 'in love' with his trade

Amadeo Lázaro, a 97-year-old tavern keeper in Madrid, continues working daily at Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles, a historic tavern in La Latina. His story, shared on social media, has gone viral.

Background

Lázaro started working at age 10 after moving from Burgos to Madrid. He opened his current tavern in 1942 and has been serving his signature snails for over 80 years. Source: La Vanguardia

Philosophy

He insists he is not a waiter but a 'tabernero', and says he is 'in love' with his trade. Source: ABC His approach: treat customers as you want to be treated. 'Pasen al fondo, que tienen sitio libre,' he often says. Source: La Vanguardia

A life of purpose

Lázaro sees his work not as a job but as 'a game that feeds me spiritually.' Source: ABC He encourages people to keep visiting his tavern for his sake and theirs: 'Sin clientes no vivimos.' Source: ABC His story reflects research linking active aging and purpose to well-being. Source: La Vanguardia