Da ya think he's 80? Rod Stewart credits swimming for his vocal staying power

Frank Sinatra did it his way, taking to the pool to boost his vocal prowess. Now Rod Stewart is singing from the same songsheet and scientists say it might not be something stupid.

- Nicola Davis

At the age of 80, Stewart is still entertaining fans with his raspy vocals and energetic performances. He is due to play Glastonbury next Sunday and has more than 40 other shows lined up this year. Now he has revealed swimming plays an important part in his campaign to stay young and keep his voice on form.

"We do a lot of underwater training, where the trainer throws a brick into the pool and I have to dive in, push the brick to the end of the pool, and come up," Stewart told AARP magazine, which focuses on age-related issues.

Stewart said the advice came from Sinatra himself, who told him: "Rod, the secret to being a great singer is having powerful lungs. Do lots of underwater swimming where you hold your breath."