
How to reverse your age? Padma Shri awardee doctor who treated 3 Presidents shares a refreshing approach
Age is a Number, But Biology is a Habit
The Power of Muscle Memory and Movement
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
✕
« Back to recommendation stories
I don't want to see these stories because
They are not relevant to me
They disrupt the reading flow
Others
SUBMIT
Time at Rashtrapati Bhavan
What if you could grow older, but feel younger? That's not a fantasy, says Padma Shri awardee and veteran cardiologist Dr. Mohsin Wali — it's science, practice, and a bit of body wisdom. In a recent podcast with Oddsditness, Dr. Wali, who has served as the honorary physician to three Presidents of India, revealed how people in their 50s can actually reverse their biological age, regardless of the number of candles on their cake.According to Dr. Wali, the secret to youth isn't locked in expensive serums or silver bullet supplements. It's embedded in your muscles — and more importantly, in the memory of those muscles. Speaking with clarity and conviction, the celebrated cardiologist explained how the body retains the memory of movements, and how this can be harnessed in your 50s to reclaim strength, mobility, and vitality.'You don't need to invent new exercises,' he said. 'Just stick to what your body already knows. You can do the same routines you did at 45 — just adjust the intensity, duration, or frequency. Let your body keep the rhythm, even if the tempo changes.'In the conversation, Dr. Wali emphasized the remarkable ability of the human body to retain its "learned" actions. This phenomenon, often referred to as muscle memory, allows individuals to maintain fitness regimens well into old age without completely reinventing the wheel. It's not about pushing harder — it's about pushing smarter.'Your body knows certain actions,' he said. 'Even subconsciously, it's prepared to execute them. Reduce the time, volume, or strength — but never stop. That continuity is what keeps the biological clock from speeding up.'Dr. Wali's credentials are unmatched in Indian medicine. At just 33, he became the youngest doctor ever to be appointed as honorary physician to a sitting President — R. Venkataraman. He went on to serve Shankar Dayal Sharma and Pranab Mukherjee, becoming the only physician in India's history to serve three heads of state. His role extended beyond clinical care, influencing national health policies and geriatric wellness programs.Dr. Wali's message is powerful — and timely. In a world obsessed with staying young, he offers a refreshingly attainable approach: build a habit, maintain the momentum, and trust your body's intelligence.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
How PM Modi combined varjish and virasat, legacy and lifestyle through Yoga Day
As we mark the 11th International Day of Yoga today – millions will unite from Puri to Paris, from Varanasi to Washington to celebrate India's ancient gift of Yoga to humanity that has transcended borders to become a global symbol of wellness, peace, fitness and unity. Since 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated Yoga into a global phenomenon, merging legacy with contemporary lifestyle. By promoting Yoga as a holistic practice that blends physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama) and meditation, he has made it relevant to today's fast-paced world. Events at iconic Indian sites like Rani Ki Vav and Konark's Sun Temple during connect Yoga to our civilizational heritage and its adoption in gyms, corporate offices and colleges, reflect its seamless integration into modern lifestyles. PM Modi's vision has ensured Yoga remains a living tradition and not a relic. A decade ago PM Modi proposed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga during his inaugural UN General Assembly speech. Within an unprecedented 90 days the resolution garnered support from 177 countries, setting a record for the fastest UN consensus. This diplomatic triumph was not just a win for India but a recognition of Yoga as a secular, inclusive practice. PM Modi's persistent advocacy through international forums and bilateral engagements ensured Yoga's official recognition and millions now participate in Yoga Day celebrations, from New York's Times Square to Tokyo's public squares. Since then, Yoga has evolved into a bigger worldwide phenomenon. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and adaptability, requiring only a mat and of course mindfulness. Indian embassies and cultural missions have fueled this global enthusiasm through 'Yoga diplomacy' organising events, workshops and festivals. Social media has amplified its reach with influencers, celebrities and everyday practitioners sharing Yoga's benefits. Yoga's universal language of wellness has made it a truly global movement. On one hand, Yoga embodies India's virasat (heritage) while redefining varzish (fitness). By hosting Yoga sessions at 100 iconic tourist spots and 50 cultural heritage sites, India is underscoring Yoga's deep roots in our civilizational ethos. These sites are not mere backdrops but symbols of continuity, linking ancient wisdom to modern practice. Unlike Western fitness regimes focused on competition, Yoga offers an inclusive, collaborative approach to fitness, aiming for harmony between body, mind and environment. In a sense, it is also our message to the world – we need less of divided camps and fighting and more of uniting – from Ukraine to Russia, from Israel to Iran. We need a situation of collaboration with environment not one of conflict. Yoga's greatest strength is its inclusivity, transcending barriers of religion, culture, and ideology. Rooted in Indian philosophy, it requires no faith or ritual- only awareness and discipline. Christians in California to Muslims in Abu Dhabi to Buddhists in Tokyo and atheists in Beijing – all practice Yoga and are united by its universal appeal. In a polarised world, Yoga serves as an apolitical oasis fostering unity through shared breath. This message of Yog or union is what makes it India's most potent expression of soft power, quietly shaping global perceptions and narratives without force. Unlike traditional diplomacy, Yoga builds bridges through serenity not cynical strategy. Indian missions worldwide host Yoga programs, while Indian Yoga teachers are celebrated globally. This subtle cultural influence strengthens India's global presence fostering goodwill and mutual respect by offering a philosophy of peace and wellness. Yoga truly positions India as a beacon of harmony in a world grappling with division and conflict. It strengthens our advocacy of Buddh over Yuddh! Yoga has also revolutionised fitness by offering a low-cost, low-injury and high-impact alternative to conventional workouts. Its emphasis on mindfulness and flexibility suits all ages and all body types, challenging the aggressive, vanity-driven pumping iron culture. Integrated into corporate wellness programs, schools (via NEP 2020) and public health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Yoga promotes preventive healthcare and reduces non-communicable diseases too. Yoga industry has also sparked huge economic growth. Globally, it's a US 130 billion dollar market with India's wellness economy projected to hit US 70 billion dollars by 2026. The Ministry of AYUSH's Yoga Certification Board has professionalised training, creating jobs for thousands, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities as certified trainers, retreat facilitators and wellness consultants. Digital Startups are merging technology with tradition, offering AI-driven posture correction and virtual classes, further boosting the Yoga economy. Under PM Modi's leadership, Yoga has now transcended its ancient origins to become a global lifestyle, uniting heritage and fitness, tradition and innovation, Vyayaam and Virasat. Its official recognition by the UN, its widespread global adoption and its economic impact highlight India's cultural influence. As a soft power, Yoga builds bridges where muscular politics falter and its inclusive nature unites diverse communities. Yoga is not just India's past—it's shaping a healthier, harmonious future for the world, with Bharat truly in the leading pose. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.


Hindustan Times
37 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Scalpel, sutures and now a playlist in operation theatres
Sometimes, treatment begins with a simple question: 'What song do you love?' Once just background comfort, music is now being embraced as a clinical aid in surgical and medical care, thanks to its proven psychological and physiological benefits. It's non-pharmacological, safe, cost-effective, and most importantly, patients genuinely enjoy it, said a doctor. (Sourced) 'We sometimes ask patients what their favourite songs are,' said Dr Renu Singh, a gynaecological surgeon at Queen Mary Hospital in Lucknow. 'Most of our procedures are done under regional anaesthesia, where patients remain conscious. This awareness can heighten anxiety—they worry about how long the surgery will take, what the outcome will be, and even what the doctors are discussing.' To counter this, Dr Singh and her team curate customised playlists based on patient preferences—ranging from bhajans and soft instrumental music to upbeat tracks, including Bollywood numbers. 'It's amazing to see how something as simple as familiar music can calm them. They often say the surgery felt shorter, and their stress visibly reduces.' Surgeries can last anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours. During this time, the presence of machines, beeping monitors, and clinical chatter can overwhelm patients. 'Music acts as a mind-diverting technique,' Dr Singh added. 'It drowns out the intimidating noise of the operation theatre and allows patients to focus on something comforting.' Dr Ritu Verma, an anaesthesia expert at Queen Mary Hospital, noted, 'Many patients arrive extremely anxious. For them, we offer music therapy — sometimes through overhead speakers, and other times via headphones. It's not just feel-good therapy; there are real clinical benefits. Despite the promising results, this tool remains underutilised.' 'It also helps in faster post-op recovery and reduces the chances of nausea when patients are coming out of anaesthesia,' Dr Verma explained. At Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), music is being used during complex procedures such as kidney transplants. 'We've noticed that patients who listen to music beforehand are more relaxed—their blood pressure and heart rate are usually lower,' said Dr Narayan Prasad, head of nephrology at SGPGIMS. The science behind this isn't new—but it's only now finding widespread application in Indian hospitals. 'Music works in subtle but powerful ways,' Dr Prasad said. 'It's non-pharmacological, safe, cost-effective, and most importantly, patients genuinely enjoy it.' Music is increasingly being used as a clinical tool to support the heart, calm the mind, and enhance recovery in patients with cardiovascular conditions. 'Music helps the heart — quite literally,' said Dr Aditya Kapoor, head of cardiology at SGPGIMS. 'It helps regulate the heartbeat, eases stress, and motivates patients during recovery. It's one of the safest non-drug therapies we have.' 'More and more cardiologists are using music therapy to stabilise patients. The evidence so far is very encouraging,' Dr Kapoor added. 'In cardiac rehabilitation, we use music therapy and have observed that it reduces the release of stress hormones and helps stabilise heart rate, blood pressure, and other parameters.' Sleep, pain and psychological well-being Doctors report that music therapy contributes to better sleep quality — an essential element of cardiac rehabilitation. Post-operative patients also report lower pain perception when exposed to calming music. In cardiac rehab, music isn't just a mood lifter — it becomes a motivator. 'Patients undergoing supervised exercise programs perform better and with greater enthusiasm when music is played,' said Dr Kapoor.


Hindustan Times
42 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
British woman dies of rabies after ‘slight scratch' from stray puppy on Morocco holiday
A 59-year-old British woman has died from rabies after a minor scratch from a puppy while on holiday in Morocco, according to a report by the BBC. The incident has prompted calls from her family to raise awareness about the seriousness of animal bites and the importance of timely medical intervention. A British woman developed fatal rabies weeks after a minor puppy scratch in Morocco.(Representational image/Unsplash) (Also read: Indian-origin woman charged £4,586 for parking error in UK: 'It was surreal') Yvonne Ford, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, came into light contact with a stray puppy during her February holiday in Morocco. According to her daughter, Robyn Thomson, the injury appeared trivial at the time and did not cause concern. However, the consequences would later prove devastating. 'She was scratched very slightly by a puppy in Morocco in February,' Thomson wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. "At the time, she did not think any harm would come of it and didn't think much of it." Sudden deterioration Ford began showing symptoms two weeks ago, starting with a headache that quickly escalated. "She became ill, starting with a headache and resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, swallow. Resulting in her passing," her daughter shared. Check out the post here: As per the outlet, she was initially treated at Barnsley Hospital upon her return to the UK and later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, where she was diagnosed with rabies. She died on June 11. An inquest into her death has since opened in Sheffield. (Also read: UK woman who has explored 60 countries reveals the one place she refuses to revisit) Public health response The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that there is no risk to the wider public, noting that there is no documented evidence of rabies transmission from person to person. Family appeals for awareness The loss has left the Ford family in shock. "We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love," Thomson wrote. She added a plea to the public: "Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you."