Elderly perk up exercise regimen to stay fit

It seems sporting activities these days are not only for Gen Z or the middle-aged, but also for health-conscious elderly residents.

Of late, an increasing number of elderly Chinese are making their way to gyms and training centers to improve their physical and mental health.

Wang Kexin, a 57-year-old former business owner, has once again regained his passion for fitness training and lifting weights.

Wang, whose childhood dream was to become a track-and-field athlete, now trains four times a week, with each session lasting one-and-a-half to two hours.

In two years, his body weight has fallen from over 100 kilograms to 80 kg. "I feel strong mentally and look better compared to friends of the same age," Wang said.

On weekends, he meets up with former schoolmates to play football. "Sportsmanship is not only the privilege of the young," Wang said.

"I have had so much joy from keeping the habit of fitness and a healthy diet; being disciplined physically and mentally provides clarity at my age."

Wang's physical trainer, Sarah Shao of Ujoy Fitness Studio in Beijing, said in recent years, she has seen a rising number of older participants joining gyms and starting to work out with the same frequency and training levels as younger members.

"After retirement, elders have more leisure time to mark steady attendance at the courses," Shao said. "Fitness workouts help them improve health and prevent muscles from diminishing during aging."

She said: "I have a member who is 68 years old. Her daughter encouraged her to visit the gym, have a more active social life and grow stronger as she ages."