I'm 101, have osteoarthritis and I pump weights at the gym EVERY day

For many Britons, working out just once a week is considered a win, but one 101-year-old says a daily workout—and a taste for olive oil—is the secret behind her long and healthy life. 

Iñaxi Lasa, from Beasain, Spain, has always led a very active lifestyle, and is now determined to be the 'oldest person in the gym rather than the youngest person in a nursing home.' 

She has survived World War II, breast cancer, two hip fractures, eye surgery and a brush with Covid when she was 98. 

And despite living with osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful as the protective cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down, the centenarian never misses a day of exercise.

Ms Lasa started going to the gym at 94-years-old, where she began using weights to build muscle, strengthen her bones and slow the onset of dementia. 

'But I was very active before that,' she says. 'I used a stationary bike and walked a lot, but [my caregiver and son] encouraged me to go to the gym and, honestly, it's been the best thing I've done in recent years.

'Now in winter, I get up at 8am and go for a walk, if it's not raining. 

'Then I go to the gym with my son. We spend two hours doing strength training; we don't do cardio at the gym.'

She added: 'Strength training makes me feel alive, and it’s also very good for my mind.' 

When it comes to longevity, strength training—whether that be through the use of weights or bodyweight alone—has long been heralded as one of the best predictors of life expectancy. 

Studies have found that muscle weakness - especially in the legs - is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease and even dementia.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.

The NHS also suggests strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, back and abdomen, on at least two days a week.

And Ms Lasa's daily two hour workout activate everything, from the large muscle groups to the cardiovascular, neuromotor, and skeletal systems, helping improve bone health and prevent against age-related atrophy.

'Exercise is the best thing an elderly person can do for their health,' she says. 'And it's the best medicine for longevity.' 

And there is science to back it up. Lifting weights just three times a week has been shown to slash a person's biological age by almost eight years.

'At first I had two personal trainers, but now that I've learned the exercises, I can do them on my own,' she said. 

Since starting her fitness journey, Ms Lasa has gained an impressive TikTok following, with the help of her son, with over 112,000 followers watching her videos. 

She said: 'We started messing about on social media like a game. We had a good time recording the videos, but we didn't really think anyone would pay attention to us.' 

But now, the bodybuilder is determined to use her platform to 'empower older people and visibility to a community that has been hit hard by life.' 

She added: 'I really like that I am an example for other people; at least that's what they tell me when they write to me.' 

But Ms Lasa doesn't put her longevity down to fitness alone; she also attributes her love of vegetables and olive oil for helping her surpass the milestone. 

She said: 'Being active is the best, but diet is also important. 

'We live in the countryside and have plenty of fruits and vegetables. And whilst we eat white meat, we hardly eat any flour or sugar.' 

 A Mediterranean-style diet, featuring vegetables, healthy fats and lean meat, has long been hailed as the secret behind Spaniards living long and healthy lives, as well as low rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses. 

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But earlier this year, scientists discovered that religiously sticking to the plan could slash the risk of suffering an early death by over a fifth. 

And the experts from Madrid found that olive oil was one of the four most crucial foods for reducing mortality risk. 

Now, as a widowed mother-of-one with no grandchildren, Ms Lana wants to inspire the younger generations to look after their bodies from a young age.

She said: 'The important thing is to have a goal, no matter what it is, no matter how small. You have to have motivation to get out of bed and to do things, and for all that, you need to be somewhat functional.

'The gym and exercise will help with all of that. Life is a constant fight, and you have to keep fighting with determination.

'You have to fight and never give up, become strong in the face of adversity, and never give up.

'See the solutions before the problems arise, although sometimes it's not easy.'