Amazing@ Ninety+, Real Health Celebrities

Starting this World Health Day, each week we will bring you a glimpse in to the life of an old person, who is living life to the hilt despite the advancing years. It's one thing to say 'wow, touch wood,' but there is a lot about healthy lifestyle choices that we can learn from them.

 

S. ParthasarthyIyengar
Age : 96 years
Location : Chennai

Health mantra: "In my mental outlook, I'm still young!"

An extraordinary gentleman who epitomizes independence, mental and physical agility and is often referred to as 'the youngest man in the room' at meetings and functions. He remains steadfast in his commitment to Information Sciences, his area of specialization many years since he worked across international development agencies of repute. He says he enjoys keeping himself busy, highlighting that "it is very important to stay engaged in day to day life through stimulating meetings, attending lectures, spending time reading in different libraries and participating in committees on Information Technology and Education." He is also on the Board of Governors for one of the leading colleges for women in Chennai in terms of modernization. He also maintains contact with a number of his friends and meets up with those on the same wavelength.

He feels that the one lifestyle choice that has helped him stay on top of his health is that he has stayed intellectually active and his body has followed this cue. Physical activity is a key part of his day. Though he does no special walk to stay healthy he walks a lot to get from place to place and enjoys it. He also uses public transport - traveling by bus or metro in Chennai or in Hyderabad and Delhi where his children live. "Most of the time I am out of the house. I do all my purchasing from the market and cook for myself," both equally astonishing feats. What does he eat to stay fit and active? "Normal food; rice, sambhar, rasam, curd with fruits and sugar too." Want to be even more surprised? He uses email and searches the web regularlyfor information of interest to him or to keep in touch with family.

If you would like suggest a friend or family member who may be featured in this column, write to us at healthcom.phfi@gmail.com.