Meet Haryana's "Desi Dadi", who learned to swim in a village canal; and performs squats!

Haryana, known for its rich agriculture, is also synonymous with its contribution to sports, as many athletes trace their origins to the state. Hence, it goes without saying that in the state where youngsters are so fit, the older generation too, is slaying it and how!
Meet Desi daadi
Sabo Devi, who has gone viral on the internet recently, is a 77-year-old grandmother from Haryana. Sabo, who is known as 'Desi Dadi', can give many youngsters a run for their money, with her powerful fitness regime, that includes swimming, aerobics and even strength training exercises like squats.


According to a News18 report, Sabo Devi started swimming at the age of 10, but not in a pool, but the village canal! Yes, you heard that right. The septuagenarian rises before sunrise everyday, and goes for her daily swim, along with other exercises such as squats.

What does her diet look like
Just like many other people of the state, Sabo Devi's diet too, is dairy heavy, including Desi ghee, along with mustard oil, fresh green vegetables, and pure wheat. She is now known as Haryana's fitness queen, and is inspiring many.

Why are our elders so healthy
The elders of our time mainly consumed foods which they prepared at home from natural ingredients. Traditional food consumption included only fresh vegetables, together with whole grains and legumes and nuts and seeds and fruits and dairy products. People consumed meat and eggs and fish sparingly, while selecting fresh versions instead of processed ones. This apart,

People stayed away from processed and fast food products during their time as we do today.

The practice of home-cooked meals required selecting ingredients carefully, while maintaining scheduled dining times.

The meals contained turmeric along with garlic, ginger and cumin as ingredients, which serve health benefits.

Traditional fermented foods like curd and pickles along with idli/dosa batter, were staple in their diet to aid digestion.

The practice of eating basic unprocessed foods protected them from future health damage caused by sugars, salts and chemical substances.
Active Lifestyle and Physical Work
The elderly population relied on physical exercise instead of visiting commercial gyms. Their everyday routines maintained continuous physical activity.

People regularly walked to their market and school and workplace locations.

The majority of elderly individuals worked in agricultural fields, while also caring for gardens and performing household duties that required substantial physical labor.

People limited their time spent sitting down because their work and rest periods harmonised naturally.

Relaxation activities usually involved light physical engagement through gardening and knitting, as well as spending time with grandchildren.

Natural physical activity at a high level, strengthened their heart as well as their muscles and joints throughout their entire lifespan.

Strong Social Bonds and Family Ties
The close relationships within family and community life, contributed significantly to the better health and happiness of our elderly relatives.

The elders lived together with their extended family, while sharing their happy times and sad moments.

Elders received respect while maintaining importance in family guidance, as well as community leadership.

The regular social events during festivals brought people together for laughter while providing emotional support and lowering feelings of loneliness.


The relationships built with love created mental serenity that protected against depression and anxiety.

Lower Stress and Mindful Living
Even though life was straightforward it managed to minimise daily tension.

People placed value on established patterns, while eating and resting without feeling urgent.

Prayer and meditation and short walks during sunrise and sunset, served as calming techniques which brought focus to their day.

People handled their problems through patience which received additional support from their faith and deep religious beliefs.

Daily life included natural experiences of fresh air, sunlight and contact with green environments, which improve both physical and mental wellness.

This lifestyle provided robust protection against modern diseases which stress creates.

Traditional Home Remedies and Natural HealingElderly people trusted in the healing power of natural remedies alongside traditional healing practices passed down through generations:

Turmeric milk together with herbal teas and natural oils served as common treatments for various health problems.

Before visiting doctors for minor problems people relied on Ayurvedic and folk remedies for their treatment.

The regular use of natural ingredients produced fewer negative side effects which helped their bodies develop immunity with time.
Good Sleep and Restful Routines
Rest functioned as a fundamental necessity for our elders because they incorporated it into their regular daily activities.
The practice of going to bed early and rising early, became an established habit through consistent discipline.

People frequently took naps during the afternoon to give their bodies and minds time to rest and recover.

People spent their evenings without screens by engaging in family conversations or reading spiritual texts which led to restful sleep.