98-Year-Old Goes Viral for Doing 40 Push-Ups Daily
A 98-year-old Norwegian man, Sverre Høidal, has gained international attention after posting videos of himself performing 40 push-ups daily, according to multiple verified reports. The routine, documented on social media platforms, has drawn comments from health professionals and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Høidal, who resides in Norway’s Telemark county, began the exercise regimen in 2020, as confirmed by a local news outlet and his personal social media accounts. His posts, which include time-lapse videos and photographs of his daily sessions, show him completing the push-ups in under two minutes, with minimal pauses. A video dated March 15, 2024, viewed by over 2 million users, features Høidal stating, “I do this to stay strong for my grandchildren.”
Health professionals have weighed in on the feasibility of his routine. Dr. Line Haldorsen, a geriatrician at Oslo University Hospital, noted that while individual capacity varies, “such exercises can be safe for older adults with proper medical clearance and gradual progression.” Haldorsen added that Høidal’s case highlights the importance of personalized fitness planning for seniors.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some viewers praised Høidal’s discipline, while others questioned the sustainability of such intensity for someone his age. A March 2024 survey by Norwegian media outlet NRK, which polled 1,200 participants, found 68% believed his routine was “inspiring,” while 22% expressed concern about potential health risks.
Høidal’s social media profiles, which include 15,000 followers across platforms, also feature photographs of his daily meals and sleep patterns. A post from February 2024 shows a meal plan consisting of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains, as outlined by his daughter, Ingrid Høidal. “He eats well and sleeps eight hours a night,” she said in a March 2024 interview with VG newspaper. “But the push-ups? That’s his own choice.”
Local authorities in Telemark have not issued statements on the matter. A spokesperson for the regional health board, Knut Eriksson, said, “We encourage all citizens to engage in physical activity, but we advise consulting healthcare providers before starting new routines.”
Høidal’s next public appearance is scheduled for April 5, 2024, when he will participate in a virtual fitness event organized by a Norwegian wellness company. The event, titled “Strength Beyond Years,” will feature athletes of various ages. A representative from the company, Maria Lund, stated, “Sverre’s story resonates with our mission to challenge age-related stereotypes about fitness.”