“Be the fiercest!” That’s one of the main lessons from 80-year-old model, Wang Deshun, who walks the talk every day according to an article in the NY Times. And by doing so, he totally shreds the stereotype of the sedate senior, settling back onto the proverbial rocking chair.

SEE ALSO: Inspiring Bodybuilding Granny

No, this artist, actor and model from China isn’t looking to call it quits anytime soon. Wang Deshun is driven to push his passions to the limit, refusing to use his age as an excuse to pump the brakes. Want proof? Look no further than these images from a recent fashion runway exhibition, where Deshun proudly struts the catwalk with confidence. Not a place you typically see those over 30, let alone 80, flaunting their physique for all to see, but a place where the China native has earned a spot. 

It didn’t happen overnight for Deshun. As a matter of fact he didn’t start working out until he was 50. But once he set his mind to it there was no stopping him. Now he’s in better shape then most men half his age, and he has no plans to slow down anytime soon. By continuing to work out and face new challenges, Deshun will continue to defy the aging process through a sound mind and body.  

SEE ALSO: M&F’s Top 10 Inspirational Figures of 2015 

“One way to tell if you’re old or not is to ask yourself, ‘Do you dare try something you’ve never done before?’ ” he said in a recent interview, mentioned in the NY Times article. “Nature determines age, but you determine your state of mind,” he said.

Remember, with age comes wisdom, and in Deshun’s case there’s plenty to go around. It would behoove all us younger folks to take heed of his inspirational message in the video below. 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HX4saxIfPYw