Wang Deshun: the story of a Chinese man who became a top model at the age of 80, conquering everyone with his shape

Perfect figure, attractive appearance, confidence and a sparkle in his eyes. You think we’re talking about a 20-year-old young athlete? No. It’s all about Wang Deshun, the “hot grandpa” from China. That’s what the tabloids have dubbed him. At 79 years old, Wang Deshun first walked the runway as a model and wowed everyone with his naked torso. His body was trim, without any signs of aging. Today, Wang Deshun is 87 years old. He continues to lead an active life and looks great. How does he do it?

What was his life like?

Today, Wang Deshun is an example that you can live life to the fullest at any age. And old age is not a verdict and not an obstacle to start something new. What helped China’s “hottest grandfather” to keep his lightness and excellent physical data?

Wang Deshun was born in 1936 in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, located in the northeastern part of China in a poor family of cooks. Since childhood, he had to work hard to help support his siblings’ parents. He managed to change several professions. He worked as a conductor and a factory worker.

Wang Deshun

At the age of 20, he was attracted to the amateur acting circle, where Wang Deshun mastered the skills of an artist, learned to sing and dance. Since then, his career in the theater began. The stage became a source of inspiration and income for him. Deshun devoted almost 20 years to the work of an actor.

Wang Deshun also had time to work on the radio as a presenter. After that, he was drawn to the world of fashion. He became a teacher at a modeling agency, where he even organized his own fashion show.

At the age of 49, Wang Deshun moved to Beijing, where he began to master the art of mime. He wanted to become an artist of this genre and become famous as a “living sculpture”. However, Deshun realized that at that time his body was far from perfect, and he decided to create a perfect shape for himself. He started going to the gym, swimming pool, and skating rink. Regular workouts became mandatory in his daily routine.

In 1993, Deshun realized his dream and presented his “living sculpture” show in Beijing. Alas, it caused a great public outcry, critics found it too frank. The show was closed.

Difficulties did not become an obstacle to his desire to conquer the Beijing show business. Deshun hard training, improving his acting skills. In 2003, he was invited to star in a movie. The most famous movie with Deshun – “Forbidden Kingdom”, released in 2008.

A new round of popularity was noted in 2015. 79-year-old Wang Deshun extravaganza opened the fashion show of the young Chinese designer Hu Sheguang. He stepped out in public with a bare torso. Although he was only on the catwalk for 30 seconds, it was enough time to make him famous all over the world. Everyone talked about Deshun’s trim figure, which he was able to maintain at such an advanced age. He joked that he had been preparing for this fashion show for 60 years.

Wang Deshun

Wang Deshun’s principles and advice

After Deshun, world fame took over. He became a legend and gave numerous interviews in which he articulated his core principles that help him stay fit and energetic. Here are some of them.

1. Try new things and don’t pass up challenges.

2. Don’t make excuses for your years. Nature determines age, but you alone determine your state of mind.

3. Be as passionate as possible about what you do in order to succeed.

4. Exercise regularly, regardless of your mood or the weather outside your window.

5. Don’t stop dreaming.

Following his principles helped Wang Deshun learn English at the age of 44. In 65 to master the art of horseback riding, in 75 to learn to ride a motorcycle, and in 79 – to go as a model on the podium. By the way, the latter was possible thanks to an intensive training program.

Wang Deshun works out three to four hours a day. He combines strength and cardio training with stretching. He keeps his body flexible by practicing yoga.

Is it useful to exercise after the age of 50?

Rehabilitation trainer, LFC expert

“As a rehabilitation trainer, LFC expert with over 25 years of experience, I believe that all people, including those over 50, find it very beneficial to engage in health and wellness fitness. Programs for the elderly include primarily exercises to improve the joints and spine. Of course, it is necessary to strengthen muscles, but joint exercises are more useful. Intense strength training can be harmful to this category of participants.

A competent, thoughtful trainer will take into account the work of the cardiovascular system, existing comorbidities and develop a training plan that will not cause overload and deterioration of the person’s condition.

Regular moderate-intensity fitness activities for seniors balance mood, increase social relevance, improve memory and brain function – preserving mental health. And physical activity and mental balance are the harmony of life!