At 70 years old, most people might choose to slow down, relax, and take it easy but Anjali Hazari, a retired Hong Kong teacher and tutorial company owner decided to do something extraordinary, she started
powerlifting.
Anjali’s story is the kind of inspiration we all need right now. Once an enthusiastic marathon runner and passionate mountaineer, she faced serious health hurdles, knee pain that required multiple surgeries and later a diagnosis of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and raises fracture risk.
Many would have hung up their running shoes for good. Anjali? She laced up different ones and stepped onto the powerlifting platform. Before powerlifting, Anjali lived an active, adventurous life filled with marathons and mountain climbs. Even after knee and abdominal surgeries that could have ended her fitness journey, she refused to quit moving.
When osteoporosis hit, instead of switching to only gentle activities, she embraced strength training at age 69. Now at 70, she’s consistently training with compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, all done with proper form and guidance.Her transformation shows that building strength can be powerful medicine, especially for maintaining bone density and muscle as we age.
Anjali’s approach is refreshingly simple: keep challenging yourself. She sees fitness as a lifelong commitment rather than something reserved for the young. Her story is breaking stereotypes about aging and retirement, proving that your 70s can be a time of new beginnings and unexpected strength.
She’s now inspiring women across Hong Kong and beyond especially those in their 60s and 70s — to consider strength training as an empowering way to stay vibrant and independent.
Staying active remains one of the most effective ways for older adults to maintain health, mobility and independence. Yet, fewer than 15% of those aged 65 and above meet the recommended levels of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity, according to the American Medical Association website citing the 2023 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Beyond aerobic exercise, strength training plays a vital role, as mentioned on the American Medical Association website . “It helps support muscle mass, maintain bone density, and improves daily function.” It also highlights that with age, muscle loss becomes easier, making even light activities like gardening essential, especially for those at risk of osteoporosis.
