According to the Greek Ministry of Finance’s records, model Zois Simantiras is reportedly the youngest pensioner in the country at only 37.
Simantiras, who is now the owner of a popular tanning bed salon franchise joined the Greek army back in 2000 following his father’s footsteps who was an Air Force captain.
However, after 11 years of service he was discharged with a disability pension due to health related issues following an evaluation by the Supreme Aviation Health Committee on the grounds “of the incapacity to attend to his duties”.
At the age of 31, on 24 August 2011 Simantiras went into retirement, while receiving the one-off and the supplementary pension from the Aviation Equity Fund, but he had a plan B.
Whilst at the Air Force, he was scouted at a night club by famous Greek fashion designer Makis Tselios who made his the face of an underwear campaign next to Czech Victoria’s Secret model and actress Karolína Kurková.
Simantiras then became a highly sought after model, walking international runway shows and booking prestigious campaigns around the world.
A risk taker, he invested the money he made from modelling into a hair salon. That venture didn’t go well and he had to close it only to open a night club.
“That didn’t go well either,” he said, “but I did not give up. Third time is the charm.”
“Eight years ago I opened my first solarium salon and now I own 14 across Athens with another two about to open in Glyfada, Attiki and Lamia.”
Even though Simantiras is a highly successful businessman, he is still listed as a disability pensioner under former servicemen of the Hellenic Air Force.