Seniors stepping up to the plate

Whenthinking of physical fitness, the image of a muscular young man in a gym may come to mind at first, rather than that of an elderly person with gray hair exercising on fitness equipment. However, fitness doesn’t just belong to the younger generation in China. Seniors are also active in fashionable fitness routines, such as working out in gyms and running marathons.

Bai Jinqin, 71, from the northern port city of Tianjin, has been working out since 2005, when she began practicing yoga: “I had a severe sickness that year. After leaving the hospital I started doing physical training. Regainingmy health made me realize how important and precious it is.”

She now visits a gym six times a week, receiving professional training for an hour every session: “I’ve made big progress this year — my muscles are growing, my fat levels are falling and my cardio-pulmonary function is becoming stronger. As a result of being fit, I seldom catch cold and I maintain a good figure.” In the past five years, Feng Kaichen, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has completed 25 full marathons and more than 10 half marathons.

“I had a chronic skin disorder for a long time, but running has strengthened my immunologic functions and the skin condition has cleared up. Even better, running keeps me from smoking and drinking,” the 64-year-old said, adding that since taking up running he has lost 16 kg and his bulging stomach has flattened out.

The physical and psychological health of senior citizens is attracting considerable attention, especially as China’s population is aging rapidly, according to a survey conducted on Oct 9 by the Office of the National Committee on Aging.

By the end of last year, the proportion of the population aged 60 or older had reached 16.15 percent, among which only 32.8 percent considered themselves to be in good physical condition.

However, as the fertility rate remains low and families get smaller, an increasing number of seniors are suffering from loneliness.

Bai believes it’s important for seniors to meet new people when exercising to keep their minds young and healthy. “If the old always stay at home, they may become isolated from society and will feel lonelier. I

Feng Kaichen, 64, with his finishing time after a marathon in Beijing.