I would guess that good genes played no small role in your grandfather's longevity and good health. Probably in this gentleman's extended youthfulness, as well.
4
I am 76 and just got a reason to get off my butt and begin really living again.
7
Salutations to an awesome spirit in an awesome body! Wang personifies 'A sound mind in a sound body'. This is an inspiration for people of any age group. Staying intellectually curious and physically fit is all the more important to keep at bay, age related maladies (health or other otherwise) and foster a sense of dignity and self reliance as one ages gracefully.
8
He's a novelty act. I meet guys his age in great shape at my gym frequently. One is 84 playing racket ball. Handsome. He calls me kid - I'm past 60 and no kid. Lol but great conditioning, luck and a 42 year old girlfriend are good for me.
2
Alan Partridge: "I'm 47, my girlfriend's 33; she's 14 years younger than me. Back of the net!"
2
Neil,
We're all different. I talked to a man at the gym recently and he asked how old I thought he was. 80 I said, but he turned out to be quite a bit older than that. And he could still run, he said, and proved it. I often run into people older than me but in better shape, and I question why I can't even get proper medical help. One doctor I had was rude to a great degree, and my health deteriorated more after that finally ended, starting with shingles. And yes, I am certain a youthful partner does you the world of good.
We're all different. I talked to a man at the gym recently and he asked how old I thought he was. 80 I said, but he turned out to be quite a bit older than that. And he could still run, he said, and proved it. I often run into people older than me but in better shape, and I question why I can't even get proper medical help. One doctor I had was rude to a great degree, and my health deteriorated more after that finally ended, starting with shingles. And yes, I am certain a youthful partner does you the world of good.
Ok. Good genes are a huge factor, however regardless of your parents age or issues you're not destined to be them. You have more that you can do. What you eat, activities, not smoking, little alcohol and no party drugs at all go a long way. If parents had issues such as cancer or other disease "know about it" and follow up. Get exercise. Meditate. Pray. Laugh. Love and live.
3
Neil,
You mention knowing about cancer, etc and have these medical issues dealt with, but as Americans know, and as Trump pointed out, we Canadians know too, our systems of healthcare are woefully inadequate. Here, as in the US, getting the care you need depends largely on how much money you have. In my experience, hospital and "urgent" care has been timely and expert, but not so for family medicine and specialist consultants.
You mention knowing about cancer, etc and have these medical issues dealt with, but as Americans know, and as Trump pointed out, we Canadians know too, our systems of healthcare are woefully inadequate. Here, as in the US, getting the care you need depends largely on how much money you have. In my experience, hospital and "urgent" care has been timely and expert, but not so for family medicine and specialist consultants.
2
Mr. wang,
I salute you for your spirit and energy.....and your mind set. I am just 58, got inspired by you.....willing to join gym and set an example of fitness for my children and their friends. Thanks a lot for inspiring us all.
I salute you for your spirit and energy.....and your mind set. I am just 58, got inspired by you.....willing to join gym and set an example of fitness for my children and their friends. Thanks a lot for inspiring us all.
8
When Wang Deshun states that we determine our state of mind, he is not saying that all we have to do is think ourselves into the person we want to be.
Like all animals, we humans are organic machines. Organic machines, unlike inorganic machines, self build and self repair — up to a point.
The key is vigour. Wang Deshun is very vigorous. Mental vigour, physical vigour, moral vigour and spiritual vigour together make the whole. They lock together and support each other. One cannot maintain one part properly without all the other components.
Physical vigour therefore is crucial. For physical vigour, we need the greatest possible ratio of rectilinear and rotational physical power to our moment of inertia and mass.
Physical power is the product of speed and strength. Strength is easier to acquire and maintain than speed. Too many of us as we grow old slow down too much because we fail to understand the importance of maintaining speed.
Like all animals, we humans are organic machines. Organic machines, unlike inorganic machines, self build and self repair — up to a point.
The key is vigour. Wang Deshun is very vigorous. Mental vigour, physical vigour, moral vigour and spiritual vigour together make the whole. They lock together and support each other. One cannot maintain one part properly without all the other components.
Physical vigour therefore is crucial. For physical vigour, we need the greatest possible ratio of rectilinear and rotational physical power to our moment of inertia and mass.
Physical power is the product of speed and strength. Strength is easier to acquire and maintain than speed. Too many of us as we grow old slow down too much because we fail to understand the importance of maintaining speed.
7
Great to hear that he's doing what he loves and staying "young" that way. I am glad that people in China still respect elders, but today's people probably don't want to be addressed as "grandma" or "grandpa" at 50 either. At least not people my parents' generation or younger (my parents are in their late 60s). My mom has friends who are only NOW getting used to being called "poh poh" (Cantonese version of "nainai") from their OWN grandchildren! Compare that to some of my non-Asian peers (especially on my husband's side) who introduce us to their children by our FIRST NAMES. Ummm, what happened to Mr. and Mrs.Lastname? Or even Mr. Firstname and Ms. Firstname? Or Uncle and Auntie Firstnames (if very close friends)? My friends are a bit more formal. And my peers of Asian (particularly Chinese) descent introduce us as Uncle and Auntie (as this was how WE addressed each others' parents - whether they were close friends of our own parents or not).
Also (totally off topic), the guy looks like Santa Claus!
Also (totally off topic), the guy looks like Santa Claus!
Great write-up! Wish this was available in Chinese so I could send it to my parents, who are also Shenyang natives!
Unsurprising that the first 80-year old sex symbol is male, not female. Sad.
5
Is Mr. Wang on hormones?Testosterone may be?Looks like it.
3
I'M AN 80 YEAR OLD WOMAN IN THE U.S. ALSO GREAT SHAPE! PLEASE GIVE HIM MY PHONE # 415-731-2915
12
Hold on, Loretta! I'm in love.
2
Yes, but do you look as good as Jane Fonda?
My new idol, old fresh meat
3
It takes more than good genes to fill his jeans, like working out regularly since he was 49. He's a good example to follow for taking care of your body and mind.
7
Love his hair! Love his sense of humor. There's youth in both of those.
3
What makes people "old" is how they think, eat, and exercise. I see many cable food shows where the food is overly fat-laden and ridiculous portion sizes - one serving looks like it could feed four people (or more). I also see a huge amount (no pun intended) of obese people on a regular basis. That is becoming the norm. All this eating combined with a sedentary lifestyle (sitting all day at work then coming home to sit more on the sofa) makes for unhealthy and unfit aging. All completely unnecessary. Eat sensibly plus drink sensibly plus work out sensibly equals a better quality of life. And although there are no guarantees this equation will make you an 80 year old model, you'll definitely feel and look a lot better. Push away from the table and take a walk.
6
Inspirational. Great wake up call for our societies constantly running after youth, beauty, wealth and power. He's a cutie, I must say!
He may eat whatever he wants. But the real question is, what does he actually eat? What he eats may be remarkably different from what the average American eats, and especially from what the average American would eat if they could eat whatever they wanted.
9
Nature determines you age, but you determine the state of mind! Yay:)
3
Nature and nurture, and some of your own decisions too. Nurture includes what comes from outside your body and mind, too.
I think it's great that some people can still be doing this well. Even our Queen Elizabeth is, in her own way. But we all live different lives and I don't see that acknowledged here, that bad things happen.
I think it's great that some people can still be doing this well. Even our Queen Elizabeth is, in her own way. But we all live different lives and I don't see that acknowledged here, that bad things happen.
1
Everyone reading this article believes the Chinese, whose government propaganda machine manipulates economic numbers, suppresses dissidents, relocates entire populations and submerges their cities for economic progress, and justifies destroying natural oceanic habitats to build military bases to claim sovereign rights in international waters? Not sure if that's laughable or just pathetic.
Loved this! At age 61, I still regularly go to the gym, eat healthily, neither drink nor smoke, and while I'm slim, fit, and spry for my age, I certainly don't look this good. 布拉沃 (Bravo), Mr. Wang! You give me hope.
2
Age is just a number. Go gramps!
So how long before this story is found to be fraudulent? This is not to be believed. Especially coming out of China.
"Correction: Our Chinese translator here at the Times was on vacation, so the numbers in the article were inaccurate. Mr. Wang is 35."
2
Mr. Wang is one cool cat, so to speak. Great article, by the way. Thanks.
2
This is so inspiring, I cannt emphasize enough. Thank you for the article and the hero !
2
DNA, I'm not impressed lol my parents were active way longer - I intend to be also
What they article touches on, and many of the commenters have not noticed or are so determined to make this about misogyny that they missed entirely is that he is doing this in China!
This is a look into the art, vibrancy, and humanity of a people who have been stripped of culture, sexuality, and choice. This is a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtains that are inside of the big curtain of China.
This is a look into the art, vibrancy, and humanity of a people who have been stripped of culture, sexuality, and choice. This is a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtains that are inside of the big curtain of China.
1
I apologize for putting a spoke in the wheels of the younger generation. Remember you are now owned and operated by the corporations that don’t give a Dam if you are over 40, no matter if you look like a 20 yr.old. I’m in a retirement home and the Deshun Wang video comes to me like a shot of fresh air. The only reason I stay here is for the company of others facing the same issues of aging. I also hope to take the burden of my capacities, experienced with ill health, off the shoulders of my friends facing an uncertain future with an overcrowded planet, a fight for remaining natural resources, a nation infatuated with false images and prospects for the future owned and operated by “futurist” corporations. I might also add the future already relies upon the extinction of other life forms for profit. The price for enjoying the community of others in this retirement home, is $5,000+ a month which I can expect to increase annually so that by 90 my retirement savings will be totally wiped out by the retirement home corporation. If you want a future for your offspring, start saving what’s left for them now. Start with looking at planet earth. It’s the only means for your survival. Science is simply another form of corporate adventure.
1
Good for him. Excellent advice, very uplifting. May he live on & on & continue to inspire us.
Boy, for a change, we have a man who doesn't have a strand of black hair, and everything is as silvery as he can get, in contrast with all those jet-black head in the Politburo in Beijing. It's refreshing indeed, although I'm not sure if I need to see the abs or six-packs from this grandpa (or everyone else's, for that matter).
Being call a grandma at 50 is a bit much, particularly when 40 is the new 30, and 50 is the new 40 in the west. Not that we have to celebrate youth or worship youth culture, but being happy and adventurous is a state of mind that can keep us going, be it exercising or going out to meet people. Wang has the right mindset, good for him.
Being call a grandma at 50 is a bit much, particularly when 40 is the new 30, and 50 is the new 40 in the west. Not that we have to celebrate youth or worship youth culture, but being happy and adventurous is a state of mind that can keep us going, be it exercising or going out to meet people. Wang has the right mindset, good for him.
1
Woof.
Great for this guy, but are we going to pretend he's not on some sort of testosterone replacement therapy?
3
What is this sexist nonsense about women retiring at 50 and men at 60. So much for socialism and equal rights!
1
Proof that age is a state of mind. Bravo!
31
Nice! Alas I think he's a rarity. For sure here in the US where even 50 y/o men have big guts.
22
Its not rare. Eat healthy and exercise more than what you can eat in. Thats all there is.
Too much beer in US, too much meat, too little exercise, that's where the love handle comes in.
2
I think some people are just genetically blessed. My dad is 80 and isn't this buff, but then again, he never works out with weights. He looks amazing, though, and is in great health (although he had some minor health issues in middle age). I'm just hoping I get those genes.
26
Indeed, your date of birth may tell how old you are. But it's your state of mind that determines how well you cope with the challenges that come with aging. This grandpa shows that growing old doesn't mean to languish in a staid existence.
51
This man is an inspiration for both the young and old!
Bravo Mr Wang!
Bravo Mr Wang!
42
The word missing on your headline is 'male', but I guess that's why we all clicked.
11
Joanne, thanks for pointing this out. I so wanted to see a woman being hailed as hot at 80 - but no. Grooming us to view males as hot when they are old, probably because so many men are old these days. Women as hot when they are old? I would love to see something in the news exclaiming about women who have still got it at 80!
1
Bravo, Mr. Wang! What an inspiration to us all.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln
53
Bravo, Mr. Wang. "Nature determines age, but you determine your state of mind."
24
This made my day.
13
It's called "good genes."
There is no other secret. Sure you can try to learn new stuff, eat better, exercise and all that. But without a good set of genes--which is the luck of the draw--- you're doomed from the start.
There is no other secret. Sure you can try to learn new stuff, eat better, exercise and all that. But without a good set of genes--which is the luck of the draw--- you're doomed from the start.
16
Well, sure, death is inevitable, but life is a gift and a privilege, even if that gift isn't the same for everyone. Respect and nurture what we are given, and help others to do the same. Save the fatalism for your deathbed.
2
Really? Strictly good genes?
But what about choice, what you eat, or dont, whether or not you exercise, a leisurely walk, attitude and so forth.
Do genes determine how much tv you watch?
But what about choice, what you eat, or dont, whether or not you exercise, a leisurely walk, attitude and so forth.
Do genes determine how much tv you watch?
2
But you can ruin a good set of genes with poor habits. Google "epigenetics."
1
What a fine role model for all as we age! Fitness both mental and physical is the key!
7
Great to see such vitality.
And nice to see him following George H.W. Bush's longtime pursuit of skydiving.
And nice to see him following George H.W. Bush's longtime pursuit of skydiving.
4
When China embraces an 80 year old female model for the runway, I will think things are changing!
59
Joan, I can see how looking at this thru your feminist agenda may indeed restrict your vision. Perhaps you could choose to see things otherwise, feminism not withstanding.
It doesnt have to be about Male versus/and/or Female. It could also be about how physical wellness helps break thru the devastating isolation, and its dire consequences, that many elders suffer.
It could even be about the benifit of waking early, should you want it.
Unfortunately, feminism, which I despise, has become the new communism. And sadly, those who do not adhere are often shunned and castigated by Feminism's countless disciples. Personally, I take it as a compliment. But then again, not unlike you, it suits my agenda. Get it?
It doesnt have to be about Male versus/and/or Female. It could also be about how physical wellness helps break thru the devastating isolation, and its dire consequences, that many elders suffer.
It could even be about the benifit of waking early, should you want it.
Unfortunately, feminism, which I despise, has become the new communism. And sadly, those who do not adhere are often shunned and castigated by Feminism's countless disciples. Personally, I take it as a compliment. But then again, not unlike you, it suits my agenda. Get it?
1
Anyone who says they "despise" feminism really has larger issues.
I don't even know if I will live to 80, let alone be an underwear model. lol.
3
Pretty unbelievable that this article doesn't even address the elephant in the room, that no one is standing up and celebrating 80 year women as vibrant, beautiful, and capable of inspiring great respect - although if the fashion world weren't one of the most misogynist environments in the world, where the height of beauty is a 13 year old girl - then we might start to see the same inspirational beautiful older women. It's pretty gross to see these young women fawning over this old man.
It's a shameful and glaring oversight that this isn't even mentioned here.
It's a shameful and glaring oversight that this isn't even mentioned here.
100
Let the codger have his day.
22
Carmen Dell'Orefice is still walking the runways
24
And Carmen is stunning! (But I do agree with the original poster's point overall.)
3
I have two words to say about his incredible body: plastic surgery.
4
Baloney. My maternal grandparents looked like him when they were in their 80s, during the 1960s. They did not belong to gyms, but every day of their lives they were outside, and moving pretty much continually. They also naturally eased off on the amount of food they ate, because their appetites simply declined. They actually had to pay attention to ensure they were getting enough calories. AND: they never talked about any of what I just wrote. It just seemed to be natural to them. Their minds and bodies were active until they were in their mid-90s, when both of them declined rapidly and died within a year of each other -- peacefully and quickly. I grew up thinking that it was normal for people to live like they did. Maybe we need more examples like them. Please note: they had little money but had inherited a piece of land, and my grandfather was a carpenter, so they did not worry about having a roof over their heads. Both were intellectually curious all their lives. I am grateful for having known them and loved them.
65
I don't believe he mentioned ever seeing a medical doctor.
My new idol. 学习王德顺，万岁万岁万岁！
8
I want to be skiing in the Rockies on my eightieth birthday.
11
Rock rock on, Grandpa Wang!
14
Really, when are people going to give up this "I'm 80 years young"! thing,
You are old , you are getting old and you will die.
That is the painfull reality not the fantasy
You are old , you are getting old and you will die.
That is the painfull reality not the fantasy
8
“I Cry for You Argentina ….” Pops to mind with Sam Kahn ending. Got a year on Wang but not that belly and recently stared in a CCTV 45 minute piece about this Prof who came to China and fell in love. Now meet people on the streets of two towns who are excited and shower me two thumbs up. Enjoy your time while you’re here Sam.
11
Sam, you are obviously old in your thinking and your attitudes. Age is a state of mind and you can be young until the day you die.
Yes, people do get old and eventually die but wouldn't you rather be as healthy as humanly possible no matter what age you are?
2
Good on you Mr. Wang, all the best!
19
I'm not surprised you had to go all the way to China to find an old geezer who's NOT an old geezer. The U.S. has become a monstrous embarrassment of the morbidly obese. The only thing worse than the masses of waddling slobs you see everywhere now are the number of elderly fatsos. I'm only 64 but I take the trouble to stay in shape and I cannot go out in public without being congratulated for it. It's not rocket science folks, just can all the garbage junk foisted on us by all these obscene American so-called food corporations, and get off your duffs once in a while and go exercise !
85
Go Mr. Wang! It always saddens me how quickly people "think old", even while they are still physically fit. My husband's parents, in their early 60s and good health, already have bought a house equipped with handicapped showers and wheelchair-friendly doorways, in expectation of needing these things soon. They think of themselves as old, and so they act old. My grandmother, in contrast, is in total denial about her age and currently is hiking in the Alps. I sometimes think she'll outlive me.
83
I have an 80 year old girlfriend who is in just as good shape. (She helps ME across the street. :-D) Wanna meet her?
18
HOW to live is the most important thing that we all need to know BEFORE we begin any activity. So I'm entirely in agreement when he says: “Morning is my learning time,” he said. “I read books and news. From 3 to 6 p.m. is my exercise time, in a gym near my home.” But I'm not sure about spending 3 hrs in a gym each day. A life, after all, is a lot more than a buff body working out in a gym.
I entirely agree with his eating style, what has been called the no-diet way to eat: “I am not picky at all about what I eat. I eat whatever I want.” This will work for the Americans IF they remember what he starts his day with: learning
I entirely agree with his eating style, what has been called the no-diet way to eat: “I am not picky at all about what I eat. I eat whatever I want.” This will work for the Americans IF they remember what he starts his day with: learning
32
Sorry to tell you that when a Chinese person says he eats "whatever I want" it isn't exactly the same as what it means in America. Most notably he didn't say he eats whatever AMOUNT he wants. Also, the 'whatever" usually stays within the confines of a culturally ingrained template: every meal has veggies, grains with moderate animal protein. I know it because my parents who are in their 80s eat like that, and their peers do, too.
1
Good for Mr. Wang! He is a wonderful example of the dictum, 'You are as old as you feel." Swimming a half mile a day also clearly contributes to his sound mind and body. The body is an organic machine. You use it or lose it.
26
Too bad the women have to wear those mouse-shaped gas masks. How is that helping their health?
4
Lighten up, it's only a fashion show.
Look at that body! I love his enthusiasm and energy and hope to be just as hell-raising when I reach 80!
Way to go, Mr. Deshun!
Way to go, Mr. Deshun!
34
Hell raising!
Yes!!!
Traci, you made my day!
Yes!!!
Traci, you made my day!
Modestly, I'm much better looking and 6 years his senior plus I have an 11 year old in addition to four much older children, more grandchildren and some great grandchildren. Pictures on request - of me, not the kids. He looks like Hulk Hogan.
18
Why do you feel you need to compete with him?
2
I get back on the exercise wagon in the AM...going to keep this guys pics around.
28
We sure could use more men with his attitude. And physique.
39
Ok! I'm turning 60 in less than a month. This is inspiring! Note to self - eat more Chinese food.
60
Ummm, Steven, the Chinese food you get in St. Paul isn't exactly the same as what Mr. Wang is eating in Beijing. You might want to consult your cardiologist first.
46
Chinese food isn't that great.
And no, fortune cookies didn't come from China.
Skip the parachuting. That's a big carbon footprint for foolishness.
29
Thanks for providing the best "missing the point" of the day!
14
Great, uplifting story!
78
A reason to do push ups in the morning.
107
He eventually died at 90, having spent only the final two years of his life with a somewhat reduced mobility. He never needed assisted living, never needed any special fittings in his home, did all his home maintenance and restoration work by himself, and only for the final five years of his life he accepted having a cleaning lady to help him out with daily chores.
Being healthy and fit improves quality of life. It allows you to live free and to stay young longer. It doesn't make you a burden on your family, who will love to spend time with you if you are strong and dynamic - I went on countless hikes with my grandfather and I loved listening to his war stories. Stay fit. Stay young. It's worth it.