HEALTHY OLD AGE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19888, 27 March 1930, Page 8

HEALTHY OLD AGE.

AN OCTOGENARIAN'S ADVICE. Living in Christchurch and spending all his spare time in the hybridisation of flowers is a man who, although of great age, enjoys such good health that long bicycle rides are his favourite exercise. He is Mr F. Biggs, of 564 Hereford street. Mr Biggs is 8o years of age and he has two sisters living—one 93 and the other 90 vears of age. His four grandparents, he told a representative of The Psess yesterday, were all long-lived, for they died at the ages of 84, 86, 90, ana 91 years. "I never felt better than I do at the present time, and the only thing that hampers me a little w a sprained ankle which I sustained last winter," said Mr Biggs. "A fortnight ago I made a seven-mile trip on my bicycle and thoroughly enjoyed it Apart from a small attack of influenza, six or 6even years ago, I have never been ill, ana I have never taken medicine except on that occasion."

In reply to a query as to the surest means to a ripe old age, Mr Biggs said "regular habits," with emphasis. "I have teen regular in my habits all my life and (this with a smile) I can still thoroughly enjoy cucumber!" Mr Biggs has interested himself in many things during his long life. Chemistry claimed his early attention, and, as to hobbies, lie made a speciality, some years ago, of breeding collie dogs. They were so sought after that he sent dogs to all ?arts of New Zealand and Australia. Tow he contents himself with horticulture. He has produced 300 different varieties of clematis, from a double white to the darkest purple, and he possesses three cups for prize daffodil blooms.