100 today and still pumping iron
A SECOND World War veteran will celebrate his 100th birthday today with his usual daily trip to the gym.
Retired Army Major John Hamilton, who served with the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards and was evacuated from Dunkirk, pumps iron every day for 90 minutes.
The great-grandfather arrives at his local gym at 8am every weekday and puts himself through a gruelling routine that would leave many men half his age gasping.
He drinks a glass of wine every other night and only gave up smoking his pipe six months ago.
Healthy
John, who had a knee replacement aged 93, still drives his VW Polo into town every day after having his licence renewed earlier this month.
His wife of 67 years, Elsa, died in 2006 and he now lives alone in the Wiltshire village of Sutton Veny, near Warminster.
He said: “I feel so fit and healthy – like I could live for another 10 years or more. “Someone asked me if I would quit going to the gym when I’m 100 and the answer is no. The key to a long life is exercising. It makes you physically well but is mentally stimulating too. If I didn’t go I think my last days would be long gone by now.”
John was a keen sportsman in his youth. Now as well as going to the gym he enjoys long country walks at weekends. John, who has three children, eight grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren, said: “My big family helps to keep me going.”