Before her swimming career began, Subbalaxmi lived a life typical of many Indian grandmothers — devoted to family, home, and community, but with little time or encouragement for personal pursuits. With no formal background in athletics, her decision to learn swimming at 68 was seen as unconventional, even humorous by some.
“I had never even stepped into a pool before,” she recalls. “But when my grandson said, ‘You won’t be able to do it,’ something sparked in me. I wanted to try — just to prove to myself that I could.”
She began swimming at a local pool in Hyderabad under the guidance of trainers who initially hesitated to push a senior beginner. But her discipline quickly won them over. Within a year, she was competing — and winning — in veteran competitions. Over the next decade, Subbalaxmi racked up medals in freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke categories at Masters-level championships, including All India Senior Meets and international events organized for senior citizens.
Aging, Gender, and the New Face of Indian Fitness
India is home to more than 140 million people aged 60 and above, a demographic expected to double by 2050. Yet narratives of active aging — particularly among women — remain rare in public discourse. Subbalaxmi’s story offers a counterpoint to prevailing stereotypes that associate older age with decline, dependency, and irrelevance.
Dr. Anita Verma, a geriatric specialist at Apollo Hospitals, says, “Women like Subbalaxmi are challenging the inertia that sets in with age. They are also defying traditional gender roles that often discourage post-retirement self-investment, especially in physical or athletic pursuits.”
She adds that regular exercise in older adults not only improves longevity but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression — areas where Indian seniors are particularly vulnerable.
A Ripple Effect in the Community
Subbalaxmi’s success has turned her into a local role model. She now advocates for senior fitness, conducting awareness sessions in housing societies and local clubs. She is often seen motivating other women in her age group to pursue hobbies they had once set aside.
“I meet women who say they’ve always wanted to dance, or paint, or even just walk every morning — but they never started. I tell them, ‘Start today.’ You don’t need to win medals. You just need to begin.”
She trains six days a week, alternating between pool drills, resistance exercises, and yoga. Her family supports her unconditionally, with her grandchildren often accompanying her to tournaments.
Despite her age, Subbalaxmi continues to set ambitious goals. Her dream is to participate in a World Masters Swimming Championship and to collaborate with government-led senior wellness initiatives. “I’m not slowing down,” she says. “If anything, I’m just getting started.”