THIS is the age of super heroes. In the new film Avengers Assemble, Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America are recruited to save the world.

But who is this new bloke on the block? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it Superman?

No, this is Elderly Man. The senior citizen of super heroes is coming to a street near you soon, courtesy of Japanese scientists.

They are developing a lightweight exoskeleton cybersuit to help the frail and ageing members of their society. It will give them the strength of body builders and total freedom of movement. They will acquire superhuman abilities.

The researchers who are turning science fiction into fact are at Tokyo University and were given the brief of helping senior citizens.

Instead of the bulky robotic outfits that have been tried in the past, they have developed a new lightweight suit of rubber that uses compressed air.

They hope to be hiring them out for £115 a month by next year. Put me down for one.