More than 20 years ago, when she retired at the age of 57, Ms. Lim simply ran lightly and practiced a few movements to maintain her health. But at the age of 72, she decided to practice more systematically. Now, at the age of 79, she can do squats with a 50kg weight, hang on a bar for more than 3 minutes and do up to 100 bar sucking - numbers that make even the youngest class admire.
The biggest thing I have achieved is... not going to a doctor for treatment, she laughed. Her cholesterol index has returned to its ideal level, and age-related muscle atrophy has also been prevented. What surprised her most was her mental joy: Every time I finish an exercise, I feel like a kid. Looking back many years later, I suddenly found that I had done unimaginable things.
Not stopping at himself, Dr. Lim created an Instagram social network account named @pullup_grandma to share his journey. More than 1,800 people followed her, from Singapore to the US, many of whom sent encouragement: "She has proven that age is not a barrier". For her, this inspiration has become a mission: "You will not need to use a wheelchair for the last 10 years of your life. It is completely possible to proactively keep the body healthy.
From Michigan gymnasium to Singapore's elderly community
Dr. Lim's story is not unique. In many places around the world, a quiet but strong movement is taking place: The elderly lift weights, practice the gym, learn yoga and find "second youth" in their own bodies.
In the US, Ms. Ann Buszard, 84, had struggled to get up behind each knee. Now, thanks to 10 years of training, she can lift a weight of up to 77kg - equivalent to lifting a medium-sized refrigerator. I want to get strong again, she said. Initially, she only followed her son's advice, but now lifting weights has become an indispensable part of her daily life.
At Greysteel - a small gym in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, USA - the morning atmosphere was bustling with the sound of leng keng, the cheer of the coach, and the joking laughter of the elderly in their 70s. The elderly here not only come to improve their health, but also to regain community spirit. A 98-year-old member who suffered from a potentially fatal gallbladder disease two years ago and underwent major surgery said: I consider the life expectancy after surgery as a reward. And I want to live strongly.
In Singapore - a society that is entering a period of "super aging" - this movement is also flourishing. Gym Tonic, a chain of gyms for the elderly, has a waiting list of up to 2,200 people to register, although it has not been widely promoted. Aspire55, the center is jokingly called "gym and coffee shop" because it both exercises and chats, attracting hundreds of members from 50 to 90 years old. Many old men not only lift weights, but also dance, camp, sing karaoke - turning old age into a period of prosperity, not quiet.
Ms. Janice Chia, co-founder of Aspire55, explained: Coachage commitment is maintained through teamwork. They practice together, cook for each other, even grow vegetables and sing together. This is not just a gym, but a community.
The power to... live well, live happily
Medical research over the years has shown that: Strength training helps strengthen bones, strengthen muscles, reduce the risk of falls, fractures and many other chronic diseases. But for people like Dr. Lim or Ms. Ann, the benefits are not limited to physical health.
The elderly at the gym feel no longer "ored behind". They are more confident, more independent, have more friends, and goals for life. Ms. Cathy Jozwick, an American, 61 years old, said that her mother had memory loss and many serious illnesses, so she was determined to prevent it for herself. I want a different future. The gym gives me hope, she said.
Some sports centers in Singapore offer incentives for the elderly and have many exercise programs dedicated to anti-aging muscle atrophy, instructing the elderly to practice with small dumbbells and resistance bands. Tuition is subsidized, only a few dollars per session. More importantly, the elderly no longer go to school according to their "orders" but voluntarily register because they understand that today's health is the foundation for future development.
"People aged 50-60 are now more informed about their health, they want systematic training sessions with clear results. As for the 80 year old, they just need to exercise to be able to walk and be independent in daily activities - although simple but extremely meaningful" - a program manager shared.
Instead of accepting that aging means disease and a bar, more and more people are choosing aging as a journey to explore new limits. The image of an old man in his 90s still doing squats, an old woman in her 80s "tinged" pinning a bar, or "gym - cafe clubs" dedicated to the elderly are challenging the old concept of aging.
I dont practice to prove anything to anyone, says Dr Lim. I just want to fully enjoy the remaining years.
And as more and more elderly people find joy in each workout, we understand that the gym has become a space for every generation. Like a coffee shop, a place to meet and share, instead of sipping a cup of tea, they raise weights together, laugh, and remind each other that: Old age can be beautiful, healthy, and meaningful.
