Who Is Buster Martin?:
Born in France in 1906, Buster Martin is currently training for a marathon and still reporting to his job at a plumbing business everyday. He is the father of 17 children. He was sent to an orphanage at 3 months old and grew up in the U.K. There he met his wife, worked in a market for 90 years (interrupted by service in World War II and a few other career paths).What Is His Secret to Successful Aging?:
There is nothing particularly remarkable in his lifestyle except his level of activity. At age 97, he retired from his job at the market where he had worked for 90 years. Within a few years, he was so bored that he got a new job (20 hours a week) washing vans for a plumbing company. This refusal to just retire and stop has undoubtedly added years to his life.Did You Say Marathon?:
Yep. Buster is training for the London marathon. That is simply amazing -- 101 years old and training for something that most of us would not even consider doing. Just hearing that makes me feel a bit lazy. He is the current record holder for the world's oldest 5k, 10k and half marathon (which he finished in just over 5 hours with a stop for a beer and a cigarette).What's Next for Buster?:
Hard to say, there aren't lot of press interviews with Buster. As a centenarian he is joining in one of the fastest growing demographics in the world. If he reaches age 110, he'll be a supercentenarian and on his way to the world record for longevity -- 122 (held by Jeanne Calment).
Source(s):
BBC News March 3, 2008. Man, 101, to run London Marathon.
ABC News March 5, 2008. He Sings, He Runs and He's Only 101.
