A British group for seniors has named Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson as the most powerful old-age "pensioner" in the world.

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The BBC reported that 65-year-old Ferguson beat out the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela for the title. Second on the list was environmentalist and wildlife advocate David Attenborough, 80.

Also in the top five in the survey of professionals are the queen and Formula One racing chief Bernie Ecclestone.

Rupert Murdoch was placed ahead of fashion designers Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren.

The survey was compiled by Virgin Money, the BBC reported.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern said: "This report highlights just a few of the many successful older people in the world and shows that later life really doesn't have to be a time for pipes and slippers.

"Older people have a vast amount to contribute to society and should be able to continue working well into their older age if they want to."