The “Live happy-healthy-meaningful” series highlights elderly individuals who live with optimism, vitality, and a spirit of contribution.
Their energy and resilience are not only life-affirming but also inspiring to younger generations.
VietNamNet introduces this series to prove that age is just a number, and it’s passion and determination that define the true value of life.
The gym-loving grandma who lifts 10kg
At 72 years old, Ma Thi Bac, a resident of Hoi Phu Ward in Gia Lai Province (formerly Tra Ba Ward, Pleiku City), maintains a regular gym routine and can lift weights up to 10kg.
Though she had visited gyms before, it wasn't until the past year that she began serious strength training, particularly with resistance weights.
A former teacher, Bac is meticulous when approaching new things. She learned that aging can lead to muscle loss and frailty, and only resistance training could help retain strength. That’s when she decided to give gym workouts a real try.
She believes that exercising not only strengthens the body but also boosts mental health and promotes an active lifestyle.
“I like the freedom of this training. I can go whenever I want, without depending on classes or instructors. I design my own workouts tailored to my age,” she said.
Her videos lifting weights have surprised many online, with viewers assuming she used to be a PE teacher. In reality, Bac taught forestry, a field unrelated to sports.
A 10kg lift, powered by passion
It’s hard to believe a woman in her 70s could be so fit and agile. Gym-goers are consistently amazed by the presence of this “special member.”
Every morning, Bac wakes at 5 a.m., eats a light breakfast, drinks her coffee, and rides her motorbike five minutes to the gym. By 10:30 a.m., she’s back home.
“At first, I was shy. Everyone stared. It’s not every day you see a woman in her 70s show up at a gym full of young people.
Maybe some thought I was just there to film videos. But over time, they saw how dedicated I was and realized I was serious about training.
The young people here often chat with me, and every time I show up, they greet me warmly. It feels like I bring new energy to the space,” she said.
Her personal trainer also praised her for having toned muscles and high endurance, motivating her even more.
In the afternoons, from Monday to Saturday, Bac also participates in dance fitness. She currently leads her local neighborhood’s dance group with nearly 10 members - a meaningful social activity for her age group.
Fit, cheerful, and full of life
Bac complements her workouts with a healthy diet, preferring steamed and boiled dishes to keep her weight steady at 50kg. With her family’s support, she feels fulfilled living her passion.
Bac often browses the internet for exercise tips and even uses ChatGPT to help her build a workout and diet plan tailored to her age and weight.
She asked, “Please help me create a gym workout and diet plan for someone over 70 years old, weighing 50kg.” She followed the results provided, and over the past year, fitness has become a daily habit.
She started lifting just 2kg but has gradually built up to 10kg. Her perseverance has helped her feel more youthful, strong, and energized.
“After training for a while, I feel much healthier and younger. Every day I feel vibrant and confident when meeting people,” she said.
Tech-savvy grandma becomes a TikTok sensation
Beyond ChatGPT, Bac also uses TikTok creatively. Initially, her son helped her film a few gym videos. But soon, she learned to record them herself using a tripod and smartphone.
As a former teacher, she adapted quickly to technology. She taught herself to edit, add voiceovers, and upload her videos to TikTok.
Each post garners a growing number of compliments and encouragement from viewers, giving her a powerful boost of motivation.
“Being able to live out my passion and do what I love at this age is truly meaningful. At this point, it’s no longer about perseverance. It’s just a habit – and a joy.
If I miss a day, I feel restless and uneasy. It’s like my legs just take me to the gym on their own,” she laughed.
“Health is built over time. The earlier you start training, the stronger and more beautiful you become. It’s not just for the young. Anyone, at any age, can work out if they’re truly passionate.”
Source: Vietnamnet