From fashion runway to airport runway, Wang Deshun is proof positive that it’s never too old to shine.
In a world obsessed with youth and quick success, Wang Deshun, the sprightly octogenarian with a flowing grey mane, honed pecs, and seriously toned physique, has made his mark as a beacon of inspiration for people of all ages. His journey to fame began at the ripe age of 79 when he stormed bare-chested down the runway at China Fashion Week in 2015, earning himself the well-deserved title of “China’s hottest grandpa”. But that was just the beginning of his remarkable story.
While most people at age 85 would consider giving up daring pursuits, Wang Deshun defied expectations and embarked on a new adventure: he became the oldest person to earn his wings in China in August 2021. With a dream of flying that had been dormant for over 50 years, he decided it was time to turn that dream into a reality. “Age has never been a hurdle. It's never too old to pursue your dream. Just do it”, he proclaimed.
Wang’s determination and impressive physical stats, thanks to decades of keeping fit, proved sufficient to apply for a flight license. At 50, he realised he was “on his way to an early grave” and hit the gym. And at 70, he kicked his workout into even higher gear, spending two to three hours in the gym daily. His commitment to fitness helped him defy the limitations of age and prepared him for the physical demands of flight training.
After passing the physical exam, Wang spent 30 days studying flying theories and another 50 days practising flying at Miyun Airport in Beijing under the guidance of a professional team that designed a customised training plan just for him. And on his maiden flight in a SW100 light aircraft, he fearlessly completed turns and climbs, finally realising his long-cherished dream and literally flying in the face of stereotypes.
But Wang Deshun’s extraordinary pursuits extend far beyond the realm of flight. A native of Shenyang, Liaoning, he started his career as a bus conductor and a factory worker before making a remarkable pivot. In 1960, he became a stage actor and even appeared in bit parts in films. His thirst for knowledge and new experiences continued to drive him forward. At 44, he started learning English. At 49, he set up his own pantomime troupe. After moving to Beijing, he began fitness training and even learned to ride a horse at 65, a motorcycle at 78, and took up DJing at 80.
For Wang Deshun, age has never been a hurdle when trying new activities. He firmly believes that “a person has tremendous potential” and that achieving success is never too late. “When you say it’s too late to do something, you should be cautious because it might just be an excuse to quit. No one stops you from achieving success except yourself”, he asserts.
Indeed, Wang Deshun is reshaping cultural norms and challenging what it means to grow older in China. He is a shining example of continued growth and self-improvement in a country where men’s legal retirement age is 60. During an interview with The New York Times, he offered this valuable advice: “One way to tell if you’re old or not is to ask yourself: Do you dare try something you’ve never done before? Nature determines age, but you determine your state of mind.” To Wang, he firmly believes that “There is no ‘too late’. No one can stop you from succeeding; you just need to set your mind to it”.
With his contagious attitude that nothing is impossible in life, drive, and athleticism, Wang Deshun caught the attention of Reebok, who selected him as the face of their new “Be More Human” campaign in 2017. In a statement on the partnership, Reebok said, “Only seriously getting into fitness at the age of 70, Wang’s example has helped reshape China’s views on ageing and shown (that) you’re never too old to pursue your goals”.
Wang’s fearless mentality challenges concerns about China’s rapidly ageing society, challenging the notion that getting older should be an excuse for giving up. In one popular video, he passionately declares, “To prepare for this day, I’ve been getting ready for 60 years”.
So the next time you feel a senior moment coming on or groan as you bend, remember Wang Deshun’s words: “When it’s time to shine, be the brightest”. Let his remarkable story serve as a reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing your dreams and continually striving for greatness.