At 84, people remain consigned to their homes and struggle with age-related ailments.

But N.C. Deb is quite different and certainly sets an example of how to remain fit and agile at this age.

Deb, a resident of Sidhgora, does not care much about his age. He has no health issues and survives on a frugal but nutritious diet, which keeps him going like any teenager.

Though coronavirus has kept him indoors, Deb, a former sprinter and Jharkhand’s well-known starter, will continue his job as an athletics coach at the city’s Hill Top School in Telco once the situation improves.

“People ask me how I ride a scooter at this age. I tell them that I don’t think about my age. I tell them that I am still young and age is just a number. I think feeling young is the mantra which keeps me going at this stage of my life,” Deb told The Telegraph Online.

The 84-year-old leads a disciplined life and never eats junk food. “I wake up at 4am, exercise on my terrace for half an hour, have breakfast and while away time at home. I again spend time for evening exercise, enjoy an early dinner and then I am off to bed at 10pm. That sums up my daily routine,” Deb informed.

The octogenarian joined Hill School School in 2011 and has helped his wards win 104 medals – 90 gold, 36 silver and 22 bronze – in a span of nine years. His trainees have made podium finishes in national, zonal, regional and national school athletics competitions. “I feel immensely satisfied when my wards do well,” Deb remarked.

The veteran athlete, who has competed with the legendary Milkha Singh, still officiates as a starter. “I have officiated in the capacity of a starter in national, zonal and state competitions. In fact, I love to officiate as a starter,” Deb said, adding yoga and meditation also plays a role in his fitness and concentration level.

Deb, who started his career in athletics in 1961, has worked for different organisations, including Railways, Police and Tata Steel. He went on to represent India in Dual Athletics Meets. “Those time dual athletics meets were prevalent. India used to compete with Russia, United States, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. I bagged 100 and 200 m gold in the competition with Russia,” he recalled.

He retired from athletics in 1975 and became a starter.

He fondly remembers rubbing shoulders with Milkha Singh. “Well, Milkha Singh was a great athlete and I feel proud of running alongside him. Modern-day athletics has undergone a sea change with the introduction of new gadgets and infrastructure,” the former athlete, who lives with his wife and daughter, said.

Asked about his diet, Deb said it is frugal. “I take 3 chhapatis and half-a-litre milk for breakfast, rice, daal, vegetables and two pieces of fish for lunch. Chaapatis and milk are reserved for dinner. I love to have chicken and pulao on Sundays.” he added.

In his message to the young generation, Deb said: “Lead a disciplined and simple life. Remain active and avoid junk food. Also, think positively and believe in the almighty. Most importantly, don’t think about age.”