Julius Fleischman’s daily workout schedule rivals that of fit twentysomethings.
The hour-long routine that includes hundreds of push-ups, squats, arm extensions and a half-hour on an exercise bike is nothing to scoff at. Especially because he’s 87.
Fleischman, however, describes himself as “87 going on 50.”
“Age is a condition of the mind,” he said. “You’re only as old as you feel.”
The D.C. native and Army man served in Europe during World War II and attended George Washington University for one semester after the war. He is legally blind, and competed in the Golden Age Games — a sort of mini-Olympics for veterans — last month, but his most impressive physical feat takes him to new heights.
Emboldened by skiing and his participation in the Golden Age Games, he decided to try something new and settled on skydiving.
Fleischman set a record in October for the most number of jumps out of an airplane for an 86-year-old in eight hours. He jumped 10 times in those eight hours.
He dives for fun, but also to inspire others.
“Not only am I enjoying myself, but I’m helping my fellow veterans,” he said.
Veterans events and groups give him the opportunity to meet other vets and convince them to try skiing or participating in the Golden Age Games.
At this year’s Golden Age Games, Fleischman won a gold medal in shuffleboard for the visually impaired and competed in bowling, horseshoes and discus.
“Not only do the Golden Age Games give one confidence, but there’s also a lot of camaraderie there,” he said. “It’s great that the vets get out there and participate in these sporting events.”
Fleischman is skydiving proof that no matter your age or disability, many activities are possible.
“I don’t have a disability,” Fleischman said. “I just have an inconvenience. I can do everything, it just takes me a little longer and I have to be a little more careful.”
Fleischman goes out every day, often using the Metro, he said. He likes to go to the library and attends veterans events and discussion groups.
“If I can skydive, I can do the Metro,” said Fleischman, who is single. “I take my white cane and off we go.”
Fleischman plans to continue his skydiving adventures, which he does in tandem. He was 86 during his first jump, so he wants to try again now that’s he’s 87.
“I would try to climb Mount Everest if someone would sponsor me. Why not?”
Many of his fellow veterans become depressed and quit socializing or participating in veterans events, he said, something he tries to combat by helping others get involved in the Golden Age Games or other athletic events.
“Life is meant to be lived,” he said. “It’s not meant for you to sit around and feel sorry about yourself.”
