'I'm Britain's oldest worker - I'm 98 and doing my job keeps me young' - watch below
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Britain’s oldest worker has no plans to retire at the age of 98 and says his job “keeps me young”.
Ivor Ward still clocks on four days a week as a production operative at health company EM Pharma.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe started work at the firm when he was 80 following a career which included jobs in the army and being a professional poker player. Ivor retired when he was 79 but only managed one day before he got "so bored" he went job-hunting and joined EM Pharma.
The sprightly pensioner, who celebrated his 98th birthday last month, has lived alone for over 30 years since his wife Joyce died aged 63.
Ivor, from Rothley, Leicestershire, said: “I know so many people who just end up sitting at home all day. Now at the weekends we have parties with the younger people. We drink, dance and create mayhem. I play poker and have a quiz. It’s like being at home with the family when I’m working.”
Ivor, who has four great-great-grandchildren, says he intends to carry on working until he reaches 100 when he plans to have a gap year travelling the world playing poker.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “I’m happy here. In two years when I’m 100 I'll have a gap year. Then I’ll come back. I have been around the world gambling so I'd like to visit the popular casinos again. End up skint or end up rich. Either is fine with me.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.