Wang Deshun hits the catwalk. Image: AFP
WHEN Wang Deshun blew out the candles on his 80th birthday cake, he wasn’t exactly gasping for breath.
The buff Chinese actor has been dubbed “China’s hottest grandpa” by the New York Times, after first drawing attention during a catwalk appearance in 2015, for which he went topless. His flowing white hair may reveal his age, but his taut abs certainly don’t.
Before cranking up the techno music at his 80th birthday party in September, Wang paused from his D.J. duties to poke fun at the country’s staid traditional celebrations for the elderly.
“I should wear a long robe, with the word ‘longevity’ embroidered on the front,” he said.
Wang says he spends his mornings reading, and his afternoons exercising, swimming a half-mile every day. But he says anyone can make similar efforts. “People can change their life as many times as they wish,” he told the Times.
Wang isn’t the only senior citizen gaining attention for his hot bod. In 2014, then-80-year-old Chinese grandmother Li Guochuan made headlines for doing 150 push-ups and sit-ups each day, plus playing regular games of basketball. And at 101 years old, New Yorker Ida Keeling is still setting records in the 100-meter dash.
As for Wang, he tells the Times that he’s moved on to his next goal: parachuting.