Sunny Health

Respected Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew passed away peacefully on 23 March at the ripe old age of 91. He had been battling severe pneumonia since February.

MM Lee was world-renowned for his immense contributions to nation building and his influence over regional and international politics. However, he was also admired for his dedication to a fitness regime that kept him physically healthy and mentally alert even well into his 80s. At the age of 89, he was able to sit up and not rely on a walking stick.

Yet in his younger days, he was not by any means a health freak. Quite the opposite, he smoked and drank beer in his 30s. He even had a beer belly. Obviously, the challenges Singapore faced in his early days of leadership would not have afforded him much time to think about his health. Late nights and plenty of stress were undoubtedly part and parcel of the job. He quit smoking eventually to preserve his voice for election campaigns.

In his autobiography "One Man's View Of The World", published in 2013, he shared his fitness regime. He was dismayed by his beer belly showing up in press pictures, and hence took up golf to keep fit. He later switched to swimming and running as he found them to be more efficient in getting sufficient aerobic exercise.

At 89, he kept his fitness regime short and simple, but regular and effective. It consisted of walking on the treadmill three times a day - 12 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes after lunch and 15 minutes after dinner. Before dinner, he used to swim for 20 to 25 minutes.

To keep his mind healthy, he met people regularly. From old friends to businessmen to foreign dignitaries to ordinary folks, he spoke to them to obtain a wholesome account of the on-goings around the world. He also took Chinese lessons.

He certainly had not rest his laurels even after officially retiring from politics. All this he did on top of his daily reading of the newspapers, checking emails, giving interviews, writing speeches and articles and other work.

It will be difficult to emulate a man like MM Lee, who has been deemed special and one-of-a-kind by many country leaders. However, his fruitful silver age is a testament that the sky is the limits, and age should not be an excuse to voluntarily allow oneself to weaken physically or mentally. It is never too late to start looking out for your health. Late is better than never.

Here is something we all can follow in MM Lee's footsteps: Spare a few minutes after every meal to go for a walk around your estate. Observe the greenery around you and watch the other residents go about their business. It is a good opportunity to burn some calories, strengthen your muscles, enjoy the fresh air and learn to understand and appreciate more of the world you live in.