TODAY Her Majesty the Queen is 90 years young.

Despite her advancing years, our Monarch is showing no signs of slowing down, and why should she?

With the state pension age being increased, older members of our society are being encouraged to stay in the workplace where their experience and wisdom is embraced as a benefit for all.

Our Queen is older but she is wiser; she has the agility and is mentally fit and active to fulfill the duty she took on as a young woman 63 years ago - and long may she continue to do so.

The Queen's birthday milestone is one of many during her record-breaking reign. She is already Britain's longest reigning monarch and today she becomes the country's first nonagenarian sovereign.

Although Bradford's pensioners' champion, Jean Walker, is six years younger than the Queen, she is from a generation who appear to share the same mentality. Slowing down isn't an option - Jean is of the mindset that keeping the mind ticking and maintaining an active lifestyle, where possible, is evidently imperative to keeping going and serves you well in later life.

As well as fulfilling the role of chairman of Bradford and District Senior Power, an organisation she helped to set up, which champions causes for older people in the district, Jean is also co-chairman of the Older People's Partnership.

Much of her spare time is taken up promoting activities and initiatives for older people and attending meetings focusing on the health and well-being of the more mature members of our city's society.

But while many can only admire Her Majesty from afar, Jean had the pleasure of meeting the Queen when, in 2011, she was presented with an MBE for services to older people in the district at Buckingham Palace.

Recalling that memorable occasion, Jean says: "I thought she was amazing. As an older person you look at how smart she looks, the height of her heels, she doesn't look her age. It is like me, I am amazed when somebody says to me: 'Do you still drive?'"

Like the Queen, the 84-year-old doesn't let her age hold her back. Not so long ago she undertook a long-haul flight to visit family abroad. The only prohibitive part of her adventure was seeking travel insurance and that was simply due to her age. However, she managed to conquer that stumbling block. Tenacity is another string to the bow of Jean's generation. Their ethos is that keeping the mind active is the key to keeping going.

"As long as you can keep on working and you are not pushing yourself physically it is good," says Jean. "I believe you should exercise your brain like you exercise your lungs. Your brain is an organ and you exercise it and use it."

For many, retirement is a milestone they are working towards, while for others it is something they don't even want to contemplate - and why should they if they want to continue working?

Jean believes the Queen should continue on the Throne for as a long as she wants to, or has the ability to do so.

Just as the Queen is the matriarch of the Royal Family, 78-year-old Joyce Pratt is integral to the Rag Doll empire.

Based in Pudsey, the family-run boutique is also celebrating a special occasion this year - its 40th anniversary on October 8.

Joyce's daughter, Maxine, who joined the business at 15 and who now runs it along with her sister-in-law Michelle, says: "The font of youth is keeping your brain and everything else active. Age is a number - it is how you are feeling and not necessarily what the number is."

Also commemorating a milestone this year is 92-year-old Richard Styan. Mr Styan was believed to be the oldest and longest serving standard bearer in the North of England before he retired from his role within the Bradford branch of the Royal British Legion earlier this year.

However, just like the Queen, he remains active. "I am like her, we keep going," he says.

A keen musician, Mr Styan is a member of Holme Valley Orchestra, playing second clarinet and the cornet. He also keeps fit and active.

"I play badminton, I go for walks every day with the dog and I play golf when I can, I just keep busy," he says. And, like many, he is a great admirer of the Monarch. "I think she is absolutely wonderful," he concludes.