Do you consider yourself fit enough to cycle for an hour? Hari Bhaskaran, who turned 70 on January 8, is truly an inspiration. To celebrate the day, ded to cycle from Chennai to Delhi.

Bhaskaran, who was in the city on Sunday as part of his mission to create awareness about active ageing and the need for elderly care, took up cycling only after his retirement at the age of 60. "Till then I was part of the corporate world, and my job did not leave me much time to lead a physically active life. I am more fit at 70 than I was in my younger days," said Bhaskaran who was former executive vice-president of HCL Infosystems. He added that it was post his retirement that he realised the importance of fitness. To prep up for this tour, he cycled everyday from 6 am to 11.30 am covering around 60-70 km.

He set out from Chennai, and has so far covered close to 2000 km and will end his journey in Delhi hopefully by March 19. In every city that Bhaskaran cycles to, he is hosted by cycling club and those associated with HelpAge. "I have been supported by HelpAge in my endeavour. I have been to several care facilities for the elderly and I realised that we need to think about the large number of elderly who will in the future need care, particularly those from socially disadvantaged background," said Bhaskaran.

To keep up on his diet he takes his supplements while on move and eats simple meal of dal chawal. An ambulance provided by HelpAge also ensures that any medical emergency is taken care of.

"I want to give people the message that they will probably have another 40 to 50 years to live after retirement and they need to ensure that they are active," said Bhaskaran. He also advises the younger generation never to forget the debt of their parents. "Moreover, I think given the nuclear families we live in we need to consider our neighbours as family and have a better sense of community. We need to let them know that we will be there for them," said Bhaskaran.

Of the many sad and happy instances during his travel, Bhaskaran particularly remembers the zest for life of a 97 year old living in a care home facility in Palghar in Maharashtra. "He was very determined to live till 100," said Bhaskaran.