Veteran action star Jackie Chan has recently admitted that his health has declined, but his passion for acting remains as strong as ever. According to Sinchew, Chan appeared at a promotional event in Malaysia for his new film The Shadow’s Edge, where he candidly discussed the physical challenges of aging.

The 71-year-old actor revealed that he often feels pain in his knees, ankles and shoulders, and sometimes wakes up already feeling “injured”. His eyesight has also worsened, and lingering aches make daily life difficult. “When the director shouts ‘Action’, I immediately forget the pain. But the moment they say ‘Cut’, the pain rushes back,” he said with a laugh.

Jackie Chan attends the premiere of The Foreigner last week in Hollywood, Calif.

To ease the discomfort, Chan shared that he relies heavily on medicated plasters at night, sometimes to the point of skin irritation. Despite this, he remains upbeat and thankful for still being able to perform in action films at his age. “Growing old is also a kind of blessing. Some people don’t even have the chance to grow old. Don’t be afraid of aging, because it also brings its own kind of happiness,” he reflected.

Looking back on his career, Chan explained that he has always strived for change and growth. “For over a decade, I’ve tried not to let audiences see me as only an action actor. I hope every year I can bring a different film, a new character, and a fresh script to audiences around the world,” he said.

His candid words touched many fans, sparking admiration for his optimism and dedication to filmmaking. Still, some expressed concern after behind-the-scenes footage from his latest project showed him struggling to assemble a prop gun, saying, “I can’t see clearly anymore.” Fans worry about his health, but also continue to respect his relentless spirit.

Sources: Znews