Wang Deshun(R) in the airplane Photo: Sina Weibo

 

After making waves in the fashion industry as a male model in his late 70s, 85-year-old Wang Deshun is once again defying stereotypes concerning the elderly by taking on a new challenge: getting a pilot's license. Finishing a 40-minute flight in Beijing on Tuesday, Wang set a record by becoming the oldest person to undertake flight training in China. 

The white bearded Wang completed the flight in Beijing's Miyun district in a SW100 light aircraft on Tuesday. During the course of the flight, he completed turns and climbs on his own, China Central Television reported on Friday.

The senior citizen's achievement captured the attention of netizens, many of whom expressed admiration for his courage to challenge the limitations of age.

"He sets a good example for everyone. Age should not be an excuse for us to refuse to do something. As long as we have hopes and dreams, we can make it no matter how old we are," one netizen commented on Sina Weibo on Monday.

A former stage actor who had also appeared in bit parts in films such as Full Circle and Brave Journey to Northeast, Wang first rose to social media fame in 2015, when he took part in Beijing Fashion Week. Strutting down the catwalk completely shirtless, he wowed audiences with his incredibly fit physique. 

Since then the viral sensation has become a symbol for how to make the best use of one's golden years. 

At an age when others consider retiring, Wang has continued learning. He began taking horse riding lessons at age 65 and started riding motorcycles when he was 78.

And in 2021, Wang decided to make his childhood dreams of flying a plane come true.