Spritely 95-year-old Allan Stewart, who’s swotting for his fourth degree, says an active mind keeps him young, writes Warren Gibbs.
When it comes to studying, bookworm Allan Stewart is really in a class of his own. At 95 years of age, Allan is the world’s oldest university student – going back to college 74 years after he first graduated.
The energetic, evergreen former dentist from Tea Gardens, on the NSW North Coast, is studying for a clinical medical sciences degree at Lismore’s Southern Cross University.
“I haven’t felt this fit or focused since the ’50s,” laughs Allan, showing us his study, the walls of which are lined with hundreds of books and mementos from his adventure-packed life.
“I’ve always believed age is only a state of mind. I’m so busy with all my study and homework I haven’t got time to worry about anything else.”
Making it a family affair is Allan’s daughter Anne Hailes, 70, who is doing an undergraduate Arts degree at the same university.
“For many years I was a wife and proud mother, now it’s my chance to do something extra special,” says Anne.
“I love the challenge. Dad has shown you’re never too old to achieve something.”
Allan, who still holds an unrestricted driver’s licence, first found his way into the Guinness Book Of Records as the world’s oldest graduate after he received a law degree in 2006.
Not content to rest on his laurels, he decided to tackle medicine, and part of his study is learning how to combat the ageing process – something he knows plenty about.
To read the full interview with 95-year-old Allan see this week’s Woman’s Day, on sale May 24, 2010.
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