Sawang Janpram, 98, receiving a medal. Janpram was the undisputed star of Thailand’s first national Elderly Games held this week, cruising to victory in the 100m sprint, coming first in the discus and setting a record in the javelin’I saw many people my age ailing in bed and I didn’t want to be like that. So I began to exercise.’

Photograph: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images