My Elderly Space

Beatrice Langley celebrated her 100th birthday last year by vowing not to give up smoking. Next week she will celebrate her 101st birthday, and most expect her to keep puffing away.

"My eyes aren't what they used to be but the cigarettes haven't given me any trouble since last year because I don't inhale," says Beatrice.

She's been smoking since the age of 8 but has not seen any ill-effects from it. Since last year, after reaching 100 years old, she has cut back from 5 cigarettes a day to 3 although not for health reasons. "To be honest, the only reason I've cut down is because they are so expensive these days," she explained.

"Everyone has a vice," she said. "Some people drink, some people gamble and some people like to go out dancing. Personally I enjoy a cigarette after a meal and there's nothing wrong with that."

Labels: health

Buster Martin is no ordinary 101-year-old, his achievements include:
- the oldest employee in Britain
- last year completed a 10km run in 2h 22m
- earlier this month completed a half marathon at 5h 13m
- he is part of The Zimmers, a band made up entirely of old pensioners
- regular advice columnist at men's magazine FHM

Did I mention he drinks, smokes and stays out late into night? Buster is far from the typical 101-year-old. And now his next goal is to compete in the London Marathon this July, which would make him the oldest marathon participant on record. He's been training hard and he has no plans on give up on his drinking and smoking habits, not even during the race.

See more photos and videos of Buster here

Buster's wikipedia profile is here

Labels: active, fitness, health