(Image source from: Meet the real-life Popeye!})

Meet the super-fit John van Walwyk, the 90 year old great-grandfather of two, who still pumps iron and walks six miles a week, credits spinach as his secret to staying alive and kicking at this age.

Called as the real-life Popeye, Mr. Walwyk, a vegetarian goes to the gym thrice a week, performs an hour-long workout of 14 different exercises including lifting weights and climbing step machine and thrives on a diet of spinach and Guinness.

He lives with his 78 year old wife Majorie in a sheltered apartment.

Says he, 'We live in a sheltered complex and most of the people here are either using frames or walking sticks. I think in some cases that's because they do not exercise and if this encourages people to take up exercise I think it's worth it. I lift weights that are far heavier than the young people lift. I'm a vegetarian and so my wife feeds me spinach all the time. It's a great source of iron that people who lift weights usually get from meat. I also drink Guinness, which is another great way of getting iron.'

Mr van Walwyk celebrates his 90th birthday today and to celebrate, he has given himself a day off from the gym at Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge.

The gym has promised to offer the great-grandfather-of-two free membership when he reaches the age of 100.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury