At the remarkable age of 101, Iñaxi Lasa is redefining what it means to grow old, dedicating two hours every day to strength training and attributing her long life to a simple, powerful dietary duo.
From Adversity to Inspiration
Iñaxi Lasa has survived a catalogue of life's greatest challenges, including World War II, a battle with breast cancer, two hip fractures, an operation for glaucoma and macular degeneration, and even a hospitalisation for Covid-19 when she was 98. "And every day I fight osteoarthritis," she adds. Today, with over 130,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, she stands as a global inspiration for healthy ageing.
The centenarian, who hails from Beasain near Bilbao in Spain, never misses her daily exercise, a routine she often shares with her 63-year-old son, Iñaki. Her fitness journey began at the age of 94 after her carer sustained an injury and handed her a gym membership card.
The Daily Regimen of a Centenarian Bodybuilder
Speaking to What's The Jam, Iñaxi detailed her disciplined schedule: "I started going to the gym when I was 94, but I was already very active before that. Now in winter, I get up at 8am and go for a walk, if it's not raining."
"Then I go to the gym with my son. We spend two hours doing strength training; we don't do cardio at the gym," she explained. "Strength training makes me feel alive, and it's also very good for my mind." While she began with two personal trainers, she now confidently performs the exercises independently, with her son assisting due to her eyesight. She firmly believes that "exercise is the best thing an elderly person can do for their health" and calls it "the best medicine for longevity."
The Two-Food Secret to a Long Life
Beyond the gym, Iñaxi maintains a meticulously clean diet based on fresh, local produce. She credits her reaching the milestone of 101 years to two specific foods: olive oil and vegetables.
"We live in the countryside and have plenty of fruits and vegetables," said the pensioner-turned-fitness-influencer. "And we eat white meat, although we used to eat beef. But we hardly eat any flour or sugar. Any food to live longer? I'd say olive oil and vegetables. Being active is the best, but diet is also important."
Since becoming an internet sensation, Iñaxi has found that social media powerfully "empowers" senior citizens. With help from her son, she amassed 112,000 TikTok followers "almost by accident" after they started "messing about on social media like a game." She values that the platform gives "visibility to a community that has been hit hard by life."
Reflecting on her life, which began in 1924 in a Basque farmhouse, Iñaxi worked in agriculture for many years with her late husband, Gregorio. She now imparts a crucial piece of wisdom to younger generations: "The important thing is to have a goal, no matter what it is, no matter how small."
She advises, "You have to have motivation to get out of bed and to do things, and for all that, you need to be somewhat functional. The gym and exercise will help with all of that. Life is a constant fight, and you have to keep fighting with determination. You have to fight and never give up, become strong in the face of adversity, and never give up."
Expert Backing for an Active Later Life
Iñaxi's lifestyle is strongly supported by health experts who advocate for physical activity in older adults. Dr David Ezpeleta, vice president of the Spanish Society of Neurology, stated that physical activity "improves cerebral vascularisation, helps form new neuronal connections" and is associated with healthier brain ageing.
Furthermore, Coral Sanfeliu, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council, noted that population studies clearly show "exercise reduces all-cause mortality in adults aged 50 to 70," providing scientific validation for Iñaxi's inspiring daily commitment.
