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Chinese martial arts expert inspires British firms to hire older people

Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

A man in his 70s who has practised Chinese martial arts since he was a teenager was named on Monday by the British government as Britain's oldest fitness trainer.

The full-time working life of 71-year-old Eddy Diget from Milton Keynes was highlighted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in a drive to encourage businesses to hire older people.

They bring their skills, talents and experience into the British workplace, said the DWP.

The former worker, who has practised Chinese martial arts for 55 years, is currently training an array of gifted athletes including a British heavyweight cage fighter, a South African rugby player and competitive bodybuilders at DW Fitness club where he works full-time.

Diget said: "I haven't got any plans to slow down or retire soon. I'm extremely passionate about what I do and I'd probably do it for free! I enjoy being busy and keeping active physically and mentally is good for you.

"Every day I'm passing on my years of experience to the younger fitness trainers and of course my clients - it is very rewarding,"he added.

A DWP spokesman said: "Companies that are reluctant to hire older people really are missing a trick. More mature people tend to be reliable, confident, organised, great listeners and, most importantly, have the experience of life.

"With a quarter of the workforce aged over 50, UK older workers are leading the way in the workplace and the government is committed to promoting the benefits of people staying in work,"the spokesman added.

British Pensions Minister Baroness Altmann said: "Getting older shouldn't mean you feel compelled to stop work. There are opportunities out there and employers are increasingly valuing the skills and experience of over 50s.

"It is becoming normal for people to have more control over their career as we have outlawed forced retirement. A key part of my role as Pensions Minister is to challenge stereotypes and ageism in the workplace," said the official.

Altmann added,"Eddy Diget is a brilliant example of the value older people can offer -- it would certainly be a brave person to tell Eddy he should stop working and retire." Endit