Age Is Just a Number for 98-Year-Old Press-Up Enthusiast
BBC Suffolk reporter George King recently met Bill Kober, a 98-year-old from Woodbridge, Suffolk, who performs at least 40 press-ups daily, split evenly between morning and evening sessions.
In addition to press-ups, Bill enjoys Pilates and has recently mastered the "crow" pose.
"Only in my later years have I realised that I've got this ability, and so I do it because I'm able to and, as they say, use it or lose it, and I don't want to lose it," he said.
"I want to be as fit as I can be."
Press-ups offer benefits such as enhanced upper body strength, core stability, and improved capacity for daily activities.
Bill shared his advice for the perfect push-up:
"A good straight back which gives you a nice tight buttock," he said.
"If I stuck £20 note in between your buttocks, you've got to grip over it so that no-one can take it."
According to the NHS, adults aged 65 and over should engage in daily physical activity and perform strength, balance, and flexibility exercises at least twice a week. They recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity weekly for those already active.
Regular exercise is linked to reduced risks of major illnesses such as coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and can lower early death risk by up to 30%.
Bill's Lifelong Activity and Career
Although exercise was never a primary focus for Bill, he has remained active throughout his life due to physically demanding work.
He served two years in the Army, worked in building trades developing houses, and spent 28 years in factory work. The final decade of his career involved driving students to and from a school in Ilford.
"I've never followed it religiously, but I dabbled in a little bit of weight training and I tried running, although I didn't like that very much," said Bill.
"But doing press-ups is what is keeping me breathing well. I do it until I can't do any more. And then I get up and relax, and that's it."
Bill was somewhat disappointed when he managed only 17 press-ups on his birthday.
Early Life and Current Activities
Born in Mile End, east London, Bill was evacuated to the Cotswolds with his siblings during World War Two.
"In hindsight, it was the best two and a half years of my life. I really took to the place and I became a country boy," he said.
"I was away from the war as such, and I disliked London, so going away into the country and being on a farm and handling animals appealed to me."
Currently, Bill enjoys a quiet life in Woodbridge, volunteering at the Long Shed community centre and crafting marquetry bookmarks and Viking chess boards.
He recently celebrated his 98th birthday and expressed hope to continue his press-up routine until 100.
"The key to long life is getting good genes," he said.
"I've had good genes passed down to me, and obviously they're working well."
Contact and Related Information
Listen: 98-year-old reveals secret to the perfect press-up
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