Fitness has no age: Doon's senior citizens prove it right!

While youngsters hitting a gym or cycling across the mountainous terrains are common sights in Doon, what may take you by surprise is senior citizens sweating it out at a gym or pedalling along the city. We speak to some of these elderly Doonites who are rubbing shoulders with GenY, as they sweat it out on treadmills and more.

Kamal Jeet Singh, 68, and Vishav Dhiman, 64, started cycling two years ago. The couple cycles almost 35km every day. Vishav says, “It all started for fitness and soon turned into our passion. Apart from cycling 30-35km a day on weekdays, we go for long rides to nearby places on weekends. Our last ride was to Kalsi, Chakrata and Mussoorie from Dehradun. Mostly, we ride alone but at times, we join young cyclists on their expeditions. We feel a sense of achievement when youngsters stop us on our way and tell us that we inspire them.”

Veena Murgai, 75, a nutritionist (BCCL/ Shikhar Dua)
Veena Murgai, 75, a nutritionist, says, “Regular gymming under expert’s guidance has helped me recover from knee pain. Gymming keeps me healthy and I love exercising. At this age, people tell us that we should attend kitty parties or visit temples but I believe one can only pray or have fun if one’s body is healthy.”

Kiran George (BCCL/ Shikhar Dua)
Kiran George, 57, a hiker, has been into various fitness sports for the past 10 years. She says, “Fitness sports and exercising is not new for me. I am a regular at the gym and also attend Zumba sessions. Zumba helps me forget all my problems in life. People discourage me from exercising at this age, but I don’t allow people’s suggestions regarding my fitness affect me.”

Sanjay Rana, 65, has become a regular swimmer at a local club. “During college, I used to swim on a regular basis but then it gradually stopped with time. Recently, my son asked me to swim along with him and I was enthused by the idea. What started as a one-day activity has now become a routine for me. I have started swimming regularly, and I believe swimming is fun at any stage of life.”

Kalpana Sharma (BCCL/ Shikhar Dua)
Kalpana Sharma, 54, a homemaker who has recently joined a gym on Rajpur Road, says, “An hour of exercising at a gym gives me a bit of me time. Going to a gym makes me feel energized and refreshed. I recently enrolled in a gym after my son’s recommendation. For me, age is no deterrent to exercising.”