Lead Stories

When Ruby Lawrence walks into the gym, she gets all the stares.

Of course, that's not uncommon for busty 20-somethings with butt-hugging tights. But for the bespectacled fitness buff, who is quite a looker in her own right, eyes turn for a completely different reason.

Lawrence is 92 years old, and while that's impressive enough, she's also an active member of the Gymkhana fitness centre in New Kingston.

"I work out twice every week, for an hour each time," she said.

Lawrence is the eldest and perhaps most popular member of the gym, which partnered with the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons Limited (CCRP) to host a chat session with the great-grandmother at the gym yesterday.

The sprightly retired nurse spoke to members of the CCRP about her love for working out and her commitment to eating healthy.

"I don't eat junk food or drink sodas. I love fruits and drink five glasses of water each day," she said.

Clean bill of health

It might be a good example to follow, as Lawrence is healthier than many half her age. She is not diabetic, has a strong heart and, when asked if she suffers from arthritis, her quick response was: "Oh no! That's for the older people!"

She is, however, a proud survivor of colon cancer, which was discovered and treated by her doctor more than 20 years ago. There has been no trace of it since.

Lawrence thinks it's her eating and exercise regime that has kept her in such good health all these years. And she has no signs of quitting her workout routine, which her personal trainer Damian Christian describes as "impressive", anytime soon.

"Some 18-year-olds can't use the weights she does. It's largely because of her positive attitude," he said.

Lawrence said she has spent most of her life paying keen attention to her health.

"Working as a nurse, I came across persons with all kinds of illnesses. It was an eye-opener for me, making me realise that I had to take care of myself in order to avoid getting sick," she said.

For more information on the CCRP, visit ccrponline.org.