RIPPED AT 75!

She’s a septuagenarian, but that didn’t stop Joan MacDonald from losing almost 30kg. Now she’s living her best life

-  KIM ABRAHAMS AND ROBYN LUCAS

TONED abs, rippling biceps and a taut tush – not quite the description you’d usually associate with a 75-year-old.

But Joan MacDonald is showing that age is no obstruction in the pursuit of awesome abs. The inspiring septuagenarian has turned her life around – and transformed her body – after heeding dire warnings about her health.

Many may consider her over the hill, she says, but as far she’s concerned there are many more mountains to climb and she can put people half her age to shame.

The silver-haired fitness fundi, who lives in Ontario, Canada, is a devotee of cardio and strength training and has lost more than 28kg in the four years she’s been training.

“When I got started, I never imagined I’d be where I am today,” she says. “No matter how difficult or challenging life is, we must remain steadfast in our aim and keep inching forward.”

Joan’s lifestyle change was inspired by her daughter, Michelle, who works as a fitness coach in Mexico.

Michelle had been begging her mom to prioritise her health, which was worsening. Joan was on several medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux, and she was overweight.

“You’re going to end up like your mother did, in a nursing home!” Michelle warned her. “And people are going to have to look after you. Do you want that?”

“Of course, I didn’t want it,” Joan says. “I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.”