94-Year-Old University President's Secrets to Health and Exercise Habits

Lee Gil-yea, the president of Gachon University, is drawing significant attention for her remarkably healthy and vibrant appearance despite her incredible age of 94. A recent video released on Gachon University's official YouTube channel featured President Lee at the '2026 Gachon Water Festival.' Her upright posture, bright expression, and boundless energy deeply impressed the students.

Exercise Habits for a Healthy Life

President Lee attributes her secret to a healthy life to her consistent exercise routine. She revealed that she exercises for an hour every single day, without fail, regardless of the weather. Her routine includes stretching and a light walk in the morning, followed by an hour-long walk in the park after dinner. Furthermore, she incorporates small movements throughout her day, such as rotating her wrists and ankles or doing thigh exercises while in the car.

Various Health Benefits of Walking

The hour-long walk after dinner is an excellent habit that aids digestion and can positively impact blood sugar management. A gentle walk after a meal helps mitigate sharp spikes in blood sugar, and as muscles utilize glucose in the blood for energy, it plays a positive role in blood sugar control. Generally, it's recommended to start walking at a comfortable pace about 10 to 30 minutes after a meal.

• Maintaining cardiovascular health
• Weight management and muscle maintenance
• Enhancing mental well-being

Consistent walking activates heart and lung function, promoting smooth blood circulation. It can also have positive effects on blood pressure management and improving blood lipid levels. Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that aids in managing body fat. It particularly benefits lower body strength maintenance and can contribute to maintaining basal metabolic rate.

Improving Mental Health and Sleep Quality

Evening walks are also highly beneficial for mental health. Walking outdoors helps relax the mind, reduce stress, and promotes the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters. Regular evening walks help stabilize your biological rhythm and positively influence sleep quality. Evening walks can play a significant role in comfortably concluding your day.

Consistent Practice is Key

To maximize the benefits of walking, consistent practice is more important than an overly strenuous pace. It's advisable to walk with your back straight, gaze forward, and swing your arms naturally. By maintaining a pace that suits your physical condition and making it a daily habit, you can expect various health benefits, including blood sugar management, cardiovascular health, lower body strength maintenance, and weight management.