Ageing is often spoken about with a sense of inevitability—aching joints, fading energy, and increasing dependence on others. Yet, some individuals show us that growing older doesn’t have to mean growing weaker.
One such inspiring figure is Amitabh Bachchan. At 82, the megastar continues to work, write, and perform, even as he openly acknowledges in his blog the challenges that ageing brings: being advised to sit while wearing trousers, using handlebars around his home to avoid falls, and adhering to a routine shaped by medicines, yoga, and mobility training.
What keeps him going despite these hurdles? Discipline, consistency, and exercise.
The Secret Behind Bachchan’s Ageless Energy
Dr Mohsin Wali, senior consultant in medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, recalls a chance encounter with Bachchan nearly 25 years ago at a London hotel gym.
“It was early morning, and unlike many celebrities, he was already exercising.
That is what impressed me most—his discipline. Exercise was never an option for him; it was a commitment. And that’s the true anti-ageing secret,” says Dr Wali.
This routine is perhaps why, even at 82, Bachchan remains active in cinema and television—where others might have slowed down years earlier.
Why Men Over 80 Must Keep Moving
For elderly men, particularly those crossing 80, regular exercise is not about vanity—it’s about independence.
Without activity, muscles begin to waste away, a condition called sarcopenia. Starting as early as 45, sarcopenia weakens muscles, reduces balance, and increases the likelihood of falls.
Falls, in turn, often mark the beginning of dependence on others. A simple fracture can limit mobility, reduce confidence, and even shorten lifespan.
But exercise—whether it is walking, yoga, light strength training, or breathing practices—can reverse much of this decline.
Movement is medicine. Each step, each stretch, each deep breath builds resilience against both physical and mental decline.
The Body Is More Adaptable Than You Think
A common misconception among the elderly is that “it’s too late to start.” Dr Wali firmly disagrees. “You can begin exercising at any age. Within a week, muscles begin to recondition themselves to a new routine.
I had a 94-year-old patient with no diabetes, no dementia, and a healthy heart. His secret was simply clean eating, regular walking, and climbing stairs.”
Dr Wali himself battled Covid in the ICU, losing 40% of his muscle mass and 70% of his lung function.
But thanks to prior discipline and consistent exercise, he rebuilt his strength. Today, at 72, he exercises daily at 8:30 pm after work—proving it is never too late, and never too early, to take charge of your body.
Breath and Balance: The Overlooked Heroes
While strength and mobility matter, so does breath. Ageing reduces lung capacity, but deep breathing exercises and yoga pranayama can help restore it.
Even practices like conch-shell blowing strengthen respiratory muscles, improving oxygen supply to every cell and boosting both energy and mental clarity.
Yoga and meditation, meanwhile, bring balance—not only physical but emotional.
They reduce stress hormones, increase “happy” hormones like serotonin and endorphins, and build confidence. For men over 80, this balance translates into independence and dignity.
The Wellness Takeaway
Amitabh Bachchan’s story reminds us that ageing is inevitable, but how we age is in our hands. Exercise, yoga, walking, and meditation are not luxuries—they are life-savers. For men above 80, these habits mean:
- Physical strength to stay independent.
- Mental resilience to face ageing with dignity.
- Emotional balance to remain confident and hopeful.
- Immunity boost to fight infections and chronic diseases.
So, if you are past 80—or even preparing for that milestone—the best gift you can give yourself is movement. As Dr Wali says, “Muscles are the foundation of independence in old age. Train them, and they will protect you.”
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