Mugabe "Fit as A Teenager"

Robert Mugabe is not only still alive, but

[...]
"He is as fit as a teenager. He is in the best of health and is at work. Those doubting can check on Thursday when he addresses Parliament," Charamba said.[...]

Why is it that these tin-hat dictator types have to exaggerate to such a degree. There is no 81-year old person that is "as fit as a teenager". Completely unbelievable. How about "fit as a man 15 years younger"? Somewhat believable.

If I were in the dictatorship business, I would take more care with the hyperbole. It just seems safer to be somewhat believable rather than patently ridiculous. Less agitation among the rabble is a good thing for a dictator.