New Delhi
At 75, Sushila Bohra is showing that staying active does not have to come with an age limit. Her videos, shared by her granddaughter Dr Simran Munot on Instagram, have caught attention for the ease with which she performs yoga, stretches and resistance exercises.
From flexibility-focused movements to strength training, Bohra’s routine reflects a consistent approach to staying physically active. Sharing glimpses of her grandmother’s daily practice, Munot wrote that her everyday chores serve as her workout and her discipline is what keeps her going.
Her routine also highlights an important aspect of healthy ageing: fitness is not simply about intense workouts or achieving advanced poses. Maintaining strength, mobility, balance and flexibility can play an important role in helping older adults remain active and independent.
Why strength training matters after 70
Dr Gazanfar Patel, senior consultant in orthopaedic minimally invasive and robotic joint replacement and sports medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, said chronological age alone should not determine a person’s physical activity.
Instead, factors such as muscle strength, mobility, balance and overall health are more important when deciding what kind of exercise is appropriate.
One of the challenges associated with ageing is the gradual decline in muscle mass and strength. Resistance training can help counter this decline by supporting functional strength, which is important for everyday activities.
Simple movements such as getting up from a chair, climbing stairs or carrying household items can become easier when the muscles remain strong. Better leg strength and core stability can also contribute to improved balance and controlled movement, potentially lowering the risk of falls.
Exercises using dumbbells or other forms of resistance can therefore be particularly useful for older adults when performed appropriately. Yoga movements, including Surya Namaskar, can complement strength work by engaging flexibility, coordination, mobility and muscular endurance.
For healthy ageing, experts generally recommend a combination of aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening exercises and activities that support balance.
Should everyone over 70 attempt advanced yoga poses?
Bohra’s flexibility may be impressive, but experts caution against treating her routine as a template for everyone.
Dr Patel pointed out that advanced movements, particularly deep forward bends, may not be suitable for people with conditions such as osteoporosis, spinal problems, dizziness or restricted joint movement.
For seniors who are new to exercise, the focus should be on movements that feel comfortable, controlled and suited to their individual fitness levels.
Those returning to physical activity after a prolonged break should also avoid pushing themselves into complex poses immediately. People with significant joint or spinal concerns, or those with a history of falls, may benefit from consulting a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a demanding exercise routine.
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The bigger lesson from Bohra’s routine is therefore not to replicate every movement, but to build a sustainable habit.
At 75, her consistency offers a simple reminder: staying active, within one’s abilities, can be an important part of ageing well.
