Prioritizing diet and exercise is really important for physical longevity, but real talk…it also allows you to age slower. The Hetong Elderly Welfare Association understand what a powerful motivator vanity can be, which is why they throw an annual bikini contest for over-55s to promote the importance of health and wellness.
The third Grandbikini event, held in the northern city of Tianjin, saw 400 women (and a handful of men) over the age of 55 compete at a local waterpark. Entrants paraded in swimwear for the judges, who scored them on their grace, smiles, and the dynamism of their stage presence.
The oldest participant was 78-year-old Ma Jing, a cancer survivor who told the Bangkok Post: “I’m very honored. If I can take part in a bikini contest at this age, for me it means I’m mentally happy and physically healthy.”
Most of the contestants credit a healthy lifestyle for looks that belie their biological age, and according to numerous studies, staying active as we grow older is particularly important.
Researchers from Kings College London examined active seniors to find out how the functioning of our bodies changes over time, under the most favorable circumstances. They put 41 women and 85 men who cycled regularly through a series of physical and mental tests, assessing their strength and muscle mass, metabolism, balance, endurance capabilities, reflexes and bone density.
The results—which were compared with so-called “normal standards of aging”—showed that, as a group, the cyclists were practically on par with young adults.
The oldest participants did have less muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity than their fellow cyclists who were closer to 50, but in general, the lesson gleaned from these findings is that active people age far slower than sedentary ones. If you want a shot at competing in an over-55s bikini contest, you’d better start working out.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.