By Katie Wilson: ITV News

At the ripe old age of 78, Ken Holmes believes he could be the oldest intern in the world.

The granddad-of-two went back to work after "getting tired of talking to the cats and dogs, 'cause they don't talk back."

And now he is embarking on a new career as an administrative assistant at the Mercy Place care home in Melbourne, Australia.

Ken says he can relate well to the residents because many are the same age as him.

"And if I behave myself, I might just get a bed here," he joked.

Before he retired, Ken spent more than 30 years working as a surgical toolmaker for Melbourne University.

He gave it up five years ago to look after his late wife Beatrice when she got sick.

But he told ITV News he is now in "one of the best jobs" he's ever had - and would even do it for free.

He said: "My pension pays enough for what I want, so if they pay me, they pay me. If they don't, I'll do it for free.

"My son said I was a silly old bugger and the family were joking you need to be in a nursing home, not working in one.

"But my advice to anyone my age who is still fit and healthy is go back to work, do it. You don't want to end up old and grey with someone looking after you."