For many in the UK, hitting the gym even once a week feels like a victory. However, a 101-year-old woman attributes her longevity and health to a daily exercise routine and a diet rich in olive oil.

Iñaxi Lasa, a resident of Beasain, Spain, has embraced an active lifestyle throughout her years and aims to be known as the “oldest person in the gym” rather than the “youngest in a nursing home.”

Having lived through World War II, battled breast cancer, endured two hip fractures, undergone eye surgery, and survived a bout with COVID-19 at the age of 98, Lasa’s resilience is remarkable.

Despite coping with osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint stiffness and pain due to the breakdown of protective cartilage, this centenarian maintains her commitment to daily exercise.

At the age of 94, Ms. Lasa began attending the gym, where she started lifting weights to build muscle, fortify her bones, and help ward off dementia.

“I was always quite active,” she recalls. “I used a stationary bike and walked frequently. But my caregiver and son encouraged me to join the gym, and honestly, it’s been the best decision I’ve made in recent years.”

‘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.’

 Iñaxi had always been active, but didn’t start going to the gym until she was 94

She says strength training makes her alive and that exercise really is the best thing you can do for your health 

Determined to set an example for the older community whilst inspiring younger generations, Iñaxi never misses a day at the gym 

She added: ‘Strength training makes me feel alive, and it’s also very good for my mind.’ 

When it comes to longevity, strength training—whether that be through the use of weights or bodyweight alone—has long been heralded as one of the best predictors of life expectancy. 

Studies have found that muscle weakness – especially in the legs – is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease and even dementia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.

The NHS also suggests strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, back and abdomen, on at least two days a week.

And Ms Lasa’s daily two hour workout activate everything, from the large muscle groups to the cardiovascular, neuromotor, and skeletal systems, helping improve bone health and prevent against age-related atrophy.

‘Exercise is the best thing an elderly person can do for their health,’ she says. ‘And it’s the best medicine for longevity.’ 

And there is science to back it up. Lifting weights just three times a week has been shown to slash a person’s biological age by almost eight years.

Iñaxi has always loved walking too and starts her day with a brisk walk – with research showing that walking for just 15 minutes a day can help slash mortality risk 

Iñaxi also suffers from osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis in the UK, making it imperative that she looks after her bones and joints 

Lifting weights just three times a week has been shown to slash a person’s biological age by almost eight years

‘At first I had two personal trainers, but now that I’ve learned the exercises, I can do them on my own,’ she said. 

Since starting her fitness journey, Ms Lasa has gained an impressive TikTok following, with the help of her son, with over 112,000 followers watching her videos. 

She said: ‘We started messing about on social media like a game. We had a good time recording the videos, but we didn’t really think anyone would pay attention to us.’ 

But now, the bodybuilder is determined to use her platform to ’empower older people and visibility to a community that has been hit hard by life.’ 

She added: ‘I really like that I am an example for other people; at least that’s what they tell me when they write to me.’ 

But Ms Lasa doesn’t put her longevity down to fitness alone; she also attributes her love of vegetables and olive oil for helping her surpass the milestone. 

She said: ‘Being active is the best, but diet is also important. 

‘We live in the countryside and have plenty of fruits and vegetables. And whilst we eat white meat, we hardly eat any flour or sugar.’ 

Iñaxi, who grew up in the Basque country, says it’s not just about training alone – diet also plays a role 

‘Any food to live longer? I’d say olive oil and vegetables’, she said 

At 101 years old, Iñaxi is determined to never give up and become stronger

 A Mediterranean-style diet, featuring vegetables, healthy fats and lean meat, has long been hailed as the secret behind Spaniards living long and healthy lives, as well as low rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses. 

But earlier this year, scientists discovered that religiously sticking to the plan could slash the risk of suffering an early death by over a fifth. 

And the experts from Madrid found that olive oil was one of the four most crucial foods for reducing mortality risk. 

Now, as a widowed mother-of-one with no grandchildren, Ms Lana wants to inspire the younger generations to look after their bodies from a young age.

She said: ‘The important thing is to have a goal, no matter what it is, no matter how small. 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.

‘See the solutions before the problems arise, although sometimes it’s not easy.’