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Few would think they could walk even a few metres without becoming tired. Fewer still could do 20 sit-ups non-stop.

But changing the view that the elderly can do only light exercise is Trasak Satrawatit, a former adviser to an education permanent secretary.

Yesterday, Trasak spun a stainless-steel hula hoop in front of the press. During the 30-minute exhibition, he spun it 1,280 times. He said he was addicted to exercise. From sit-ups, he graduated to the hula hoop two years ago and said he would be unhappy if he could not spin his hula hoop, that it would feel as if something important were missing from his life.

Trasak tried a standard hoop but felt encouraged to use a heavy stainless-steel one after reading on the Internet about Austrian Roman Shedler, who holds the Guinness World Record for hula-hoop spinning.

He realised he could beat Shedler but lacked the funds to prove it. But he is happy he can prove age is not an obstacle.

"I just want to encourage people to exercise," he said.

The authorities have been trying to persuade the public to exercise more following higher death rates from common conditions and diseases like heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes. All of these could be prevented or minimised by exercise.

However, the message has not quite sunk into the minds of the public. Very few seem to find the time to work out for at least 30 minutes three days a week. While the elderly have more free time, they feel they can do only light exercise.

The Public Health Ministry may want to enlist Trasak as a presenter. The commercial would surely be more interesting than that one with all those celebrities. However, there may not be enough money to pay him, given constraints.

But we all know that the Thai Health Organisation, better known to Thais as Sor Sor Sor, must have ample funds if it is to be effective in promoting good health among Thais. Don't forget the fund is the only contributor supporting the Thai PBS TV network, as well as a number of social programmes.

Based on his performance yesterday, Trasak may be

willing to serve as a presenter for free. But he is 76, and

we shouldn't take advantage

of him.