Immediate action must be taken with a growing older population and a decreasing budget available for elderly care, the man known as the world's fittest pensioner has warned.
According to 93-year-old Dr Charles Eugster, speaking at the Social Care Conference 2013, encouraging older people to stay active will be key in easing the current burden on the healthcare system.
He said: "We must encourage people to stay active as they get older. This situation is a ticking time bomb but it's one we can do something about."
Rob Hetherington, active ageing national development manager at over-55 sports equipment provider Lappset UK, said: "The more active a person is, the healthier they will be and the longer they can live independently. Our aim is to explore how social inclusion can be at the heart of public facilities and how improved functional fitness can delay the onset of chronic diseases."
Dr Eugster became interested in bodybuilding at the age of 87 after introducing heavy weights into his training regime. He is now a three-time fitness World Champion and 36-time World Masters Rowing Regatta gold medal winner.
The NHS and local government workers made up the audience at the event.
