Milind Soman turned 60 on November 4

‘My motivation has never been abs or medals. Fitness for me, is freedom’Hot on the heels of Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday, another heartthrob turned 60 — Milind Soman. The ever-inspiring fitness icon and runner celebrated the milestone amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives. Speaking to Bombay Times, he reflected on what it means to turn 60.Age doesn’t slow you down, indiscipline doesMilind first completed Ironman at the age of 50 and returned to it a decade later at 60. He said, “The first time I did the Ironman at 50, it was a test of willpower. Ten years later, at 60, it became a celebration of balance — body, mind, discipline and consistency. I’ve realised age doesn’t slow you down; inconsistency and indiscipline do. Self-respect is respect for your body and mind, which will reward you in ways you can’t imagine. At 60, I feel stronger, lighter, and freer than I did at 30.”

Age does not define usAge is a number; energy is a choice, believes Milind. “Your body doesn’t decide how old you are — your attitude does. I’ve met 20-year-olds who are tired of life and 70-year-olds who wake up excited for a morning run. It’s not about stopping time; it’s about moving with purpose and joy,” he explains.Looking good is temporary. Feeling good is timelessFitness is more about feeling better than just looking better, says the model-actor turned runner. “Looking good is temporary. Feeling good is timeless. When you chase strength, peace, and health — confidence follows. People often say, ‘I’ll start when I’m ready.’ If you keep telling yourself that, you’ll never be ready. Whether you’re 20, 40, or 60 — the best time to start loving and celebrating your body is now” he says.‘If you wake up excited every day, 60 can feel like 40 — or even 25!’Shah Rukh Khan also turned 60 a few days ago, and neither look their age. Milind reasons, “I think 60 today looks very different because we’ve changed how we live. It’s no longer about counting years — it’s about creating experiences. Shah Rukh is redefining 60 by the things that give him joy, and I do the same. Find the thing that gives you joy — body, mind and spirit, and keep doing it, no matter what. If you wake up excited every day, 60 can feel like 40 — or even 25!”His biggest motivation to stay fitHe says, “Fitness for me, is freedom. The freedom to climb a mountain, swim across an ocean, run barefoot, or just breathe deeply without effort. Ironman and marathons are not the goal. My motivation has never been abs or medals — it’s the joy of knowing my body still does everything I ask of it. To me, that’s real success.”On Indian women winning the maiden cricket World Cup“It’s incredible and inspiring! Whether it is cricket or triathlons or life, our women are redefining what strength and resilience look like. They’re proving that dreams don’t have gender, or age — only grit. This victory is not just for sport; it’s for every girl who believes she can.”