The legendary Sir John Plowman is a remarkable retired senior statesman, age 90, who continues to live life to the fullest. He is a vibrant, scholarly gentleman busy about the Island.

Recently he gave a Rotary Speech about ageing and made the following points: "Presently there are 26 million people in the world age 65-84. By the year 2050 the number will be 175 million.

"Bermuda's population census of 1991 showed 59,230 and over age 65 was 5.6 percent. Projections by 2011 show an number of seniors over age 65 at 10.2 percent of the Bermuda population.

"This century has seen a dramatic increase in life expectancy.'' This year the Minister of Government and Cultural Affairs appointed Sir John as Chairman of the 1999 Committee for the United Nation's Year of the Older Person. Bermuda's theme is `A Society for all Ages'.

Sir John was awarded the O.B.E. in 1949, the C.B.E. in 1969 and a knighthood in 1979. He was called a `workhorse' for Bermuda on the award of his knighthood in the Queen's Birthday honours.

He has had an illustrious career in politics. In 1966 he was appointed to the Legislative Council. With the introduction of the present Constitution in 1968, he was appointed Government Leader in Legco and to Cabinet as Minister of Organisation, a post he held for eight years.

He continued in Cabinet as Leader in the Senate, and Minister of Marine and Air until retirement from Government in 1982 and has since carried out a number of projects at the invitation of the serving Premiers.

He is known for his work with Age Concern, a government committee focused on matters concerning the elderly. He is a lecturer at the Senior Learner's Centre at the Bermuda College attended by some 650 members.

"Age is not a disease. It is a natural stage in living. We can enjoy it to the fullest if we adapt to changing circumstances,'' he advised.

When Sir John was asked about his many years on the planet he said,: "The older you get, the faster the years seem to go. The important thing to remember is to make the best of one's immediate circumstance and be optimistic. This is the secret.'' Additionally, he recommends doing everything in moderation and to keep active as long as possible. "Try to keep away from worry. Be concerned, but worrying doesn't help anyone. Set goals and do your best to reach them.'' Sir John's favourite past times used to be golf, soccer and following Arsenal Football Club. Now he enjoys reading, stimulating conversation and listening to good news programmes.

He was born in Bermuda and has seen the world. He has traveled extensively in 23 countries, largely with business. His preferred retreats are Norway in summer and New Zealand anytime of the year. He is fond of Britain as he was educated there as a young boy.

In his private life Sir John was chairman of Holmes, Williams and Purvey. He has served on numerous committees such as the Sailors Home and the Warwick Academy Board of Governors. He was senior vice president of the Bermuda Football Association and life vice president of the Bermuda Olympic Association.

He continues to be a cheerful and spirited fellow. There is one myth Sir John wishes to dispel about old age, "Because you are old you need not drop out of everything. Keep active as long as you can and make sure you have done your best at the end of each day.'' Bermuda's workhorse: Sir John Plowman is noted for numerous life achievements and is still going strong at 90.

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