Brisbane bodybuilder wins world title aged 87

For many people in their 80s, life is slowing down but not for one Brisbane octogenarian.

Not only is he still working but he's just become a world champion sportsman.

At 87, John Rigby is not only a paleo botanist at Queensland University of Technology he's also a world champion.

"I posed and then clap clap a little bit and then they gave me this as a souvenir," he told 7News.

John is the International Natural Body Building over 80s world title holder - a competition he took out in Slovakia last month

He only took up body building two years ago after a lifetime of competing in athletics

"Well there's not a lot of competition at my age," he said.

"I thought before I got too old I'd try something else."

He says one of the keys to a long healthy life is constantly setting new goals and making a few changes.

"Well if you don't take drugs you don't eat junk food and don't drink sports drinks what's to stop that."

At his local gym, he's an inspiration, motivating people and even putting some of his younger gym junkies to shame.

John says he hopes he can inspire other over 80s to get active, but his next goal - another world title, which will be held in Dubai next year.