Bristol’s ‘fittest 92-year-old’ shares secret

A 92-year-old man who enjoys running and weight-lifting has been called an “inspiration” to others looking to keep fit.

Ken Head, from Spike Island, in Bristol, a former engineer on the Concorde, does between 400 and 600 push-ups most days, followed by a 45-minute workout and a 5km to 10km run.

He said exercise, which also includes boxing and climbing, makes him feel “on top of the world” and he has no plans to slow down, even after surgery for skin cancer.

“You’ve got to embrace life haven’t you really, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“After push-ups, I do my stomach, I stretch my hamstrings. Then it’s onto my weights and I go out for my run.”

A typical day for Mr Head starts with a healthy breakfast of jumbo oats and wheatgerm, mixed with chai seeds.

“I always cut a banana up,” he said.

“I’ve got figs and raisins, I’ve got nuts… I pour it all in the bowl, put some milk in there. That’s my life.”

About 18 months ago, Mr Head was knocked over by an e-scooter at a crossing in Broadmead while out on a run.

“I felt the bottom of my leg was bleeding,” he said. “It was my achilles’ (heel), and it just never seemed to heal.”

After a while Mr Head had a scan which revealed he had skin cancer, which was later removed and from which he said he has made a full recovery.

“The operation to remove it kept me out of running for a while,” he said. “But I continued to go on.”

He started sprint triathlons, which involve swimming, cycling and running.

“It’s a short challenge, but I enjoy it and it’s not so arduous on my body,” he said.

Mr Head’s regular dockside run sees him pass the famous Brunel Buttery café, where he is well-known.

Café co-owner Kay Leach said: “I think he’s absolutely fantastic, we watch him run down here every day.

“He’s got so much stamina for his age and he’s a credit to us down here because he shows us how we should be keeping fit.

“He’s an inspiration, and a lovely man as well.”

Mr Head, who has exercised for as long as he can remember, said he hopes to reach the age of 100-years-old and will keep moving for as long as he can.

“There’s no limit really,” he said. “I shall keep on doing it.”