Indian model, 48, on ageing well: having discipline to stay fit and eat healthily most important, ex-army officer says
- Nitin Mehta left the Indian army and started modelling after a film director, struck by his appearance, approached him to ask if he wanted a role in a movie
- He says he has seen some shift in attitudes towards ageing in recent years, but for many in India old attitudes rooted in Hinduism still hold sway
Some older Indians relish the idea of being weak and frail in their old age so that they may be fussed over, cosseted and taken care of by their children, even when they are perfectly fit and capable. Some even play-act being old, stooping their shoulders and shuffling. At 40, they are middle-aged. At 50, they are elderly.
These prematurely aged Indians need to meet Nitin Mehta, 48, an officer who left the Indian army in 2016 after 21 fulfilling years to become a model. In his new career, Mehta has done photo shoots, TV commercials and walked the catwalk.
While other Indians his age are heading for a sober lifestyle, Mehta jogs 5km (3.1 miles) daily, lifts weights and rides his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
“I am passionate about fitness. Our body is the only thing which stays with us until we die, so we need to take care of it. It is easily the best investment we can make,” he says.
A takeaway from army life that can extend to people as they age is to be disciplined, he says. “If you have discipline, you will make yourself exercise, eat well, have a structure to your day, keep up activities and maintain your appearance. It underpins the ability to do everything.”