I am 101 years old. Despite osteoarthritis, I work out in the gym for two hours every day (10 photos + 1 video)

A 101-year-old resident of the Spanish town of Bisein believes the secret to her long and healthy life is daily strength training and a love of olive oil. Iñaxi Lasa has always led an active lifestyle and intends to remain the oldest gym-goer. She survived World War II, breast cancer, two hip fractures, eye surgery, and COVID-19 at age 98.





Despite osteoarthritis, which makes joints stiff and painful due to the destruction of cartilage, the centenarian never misses a workout.

At 94, Lasa started going to the gym. She picked up dumbbells to build muscle, strengthen her bones, and slow the progression of dementia.







"I was already very active," she says. "I rode a stationary bike and walked a lot. My son recommended the gym to me, and it turned out to be the best decision. In the winter, I get up at 8 a.m. and go for a walk, unless it's raining. Then my son and I go to the gym. We do strength training for two hours there; we don't do cardio."

She added: "Strength training gives me a sense of life and has a positive effect on my mental state."





Strength training, whether with or without weights, has long been recognized as an important factor in longevity.

Research shows that muscle weakness, especially in the legs, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.

The World Health Organization recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity.





"Exercise is the best thing an older person can do for their health," says a Spanish woman. "It is the most effective means of prolonging life."

And science confirms this. Lifting weights just three times a week reduces biological age by almost eight years.





"At first, I had two trainers, but now that I've learned the exercises, I can train on my own," she shared.

Since Lasa became interested in fitness, she and her son have built a significant social media following: over 112,000 subscribers follow her content.

She admitted: "We started posting videos as if it were a game." We had a great time, but we didn't expect to be noticed."

"I enjoy being a role model for other people. They write to me about it themselves."

However, the pensioner believes her longevity is the result not only of regular exercise but also of her love of vegetables and olive oil.

"It's important to be active. But diet is also important. We live in the countryside, where there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Although we eat white meat, we practically don't consume flour or sugar."



The Mediterranean diet, which includes vegetables, healthy fats, and lean meats, is considered the secret to a long and healthy life for Spaniards. It helps reduce the risk of obesity and disease.

Experts from Madrid have found that olive oil is one of the four key foods for reducing mortality risk.