There are so many phrases popping up in your head when you begin chatting with P.K.N. Nambiar. Nambiar, who runs in the 65-70 age group clocking wining ( gold and silver) timing. A businessman by profession and runner by choice, he trains for three days of the week with his trainer and has been in “love with running since 2008”.
“My family gets worried and panics when I run the 42.2 km full marathon — where he won gold in 2015 (Mumbai) — but really I see running as a meditation. Running a full marathon is no joke and I have never thought about my age between all of this. Of course I began late; taking up running seriously only eight years ago but that hasn’t stopped me from giving it my all. Winning marathons has never been my goal. I run because it gives me a high,” he says.
‘Disease free’
Nambiar further explains that even in his group of runners there are youngsters who aren’t able to match his speed and fitness level.
“My morning sessions are my meditation. I have no time for socialising, I enjoy getting fit and running has helped me find a great balance. Of course, the added benefit is that I am disease-free. I have none of the new-age diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, etc,” he laughs.
Growing trend
Delhi has been witnessing a growing trend of those above 50 taking to sports including running, cycling, swimming, power yoga and zumba to “take over the ageing and staying healthy.’’
Gagan Arora, master trainer and founder, Kosmic Fitness, says: “There has been a definite increase in the number of people over 40 and 50 who are taking up running and fitness in a big way. They are more focussed, aware and serious about their commitment to staying fit than many youngsters. There is also a surge in the number of women who are riding the fitness wave. It is a welcome change.’’
He adds that the motto they follow is simple: “give it your best”.
Anu Wadhwan, a homemaker in her 50s, who has been running for nearly a decade now and won awards says: “When I started running few women were into sports, but now things are looking up. Today, I am a grandmother and a fit grandmother at that.”
Mentally strong too
“Sports (running) has helped me stay mentally, physically and emotionally fit. People tell me that I look good and ask me about my fitness regime and that gives a great sense of satisfaction. I have been able to pass on the benefits of taking up and sticking to a sport to my daughters also,” she adds.
Archana Sengupta, who is in her 60s and devotes two-and-a-half hours for fitness everyday says: “I am my age and completely disease-free. I feel that growing old isn’t a choice; but how you ease into it should be a thought-out plan.’’
Archana, besides her gym-routine also does zumba, which she says has helped her enjoy her workout more. “Fitness has to be a adopted as a consistent habit and not a hobby. If you don’t find time for fitness, doctors and hospitals will find you,’’ she says.
Smooth transition
Physicians says that staying healthy and maintaining overall well-being is important irrespective of age.
Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, president, Indian Medical Association (IMA) says: “Old age is a time when one undergoes major life changes both personally and professionally. How smoothly you handle these transitions is the key to staying healthy.”
“There is no fixed formula for healthy ageing; it is all about optimising your opportunities for good health so that you may be able to enjoy an independent and quality life. The best advice would be to engage in mild to moderate physical activity on a daily basis. Maintaining mental activity is just as important, keep your mind active by performing a cognitively demanding task everyday. Consume a heart healthy diet and do things that bring you joy and happiness,” added Dr. Aggarwal.
