Imagine yourself a decade from now. Do you think that your future self would be proud of how you have invested your golden years? Would you be beaming with joy or regret? The most common regret among people on their deathbed is, “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” If you feel like it’s too late to dive into a new business or passion project, you are not alone. The fear of aging is a common issue among seniors and even teens! But, regardless of what you want to do, you are never too old to do it. Like Cindy Joseph says (who began her career modeling at 49 with Dolce and Gabbana), “We’re taught that there’s a prime of life. I say, throw that out the door. Every moment is your prime. There is no peak. It just gets better.” If you are still thinking, “Yeah, right. I’m too old to do half of the things I want to do”, below are some amazing seniors who are making a mark while living a healthy senior lifestyle:
- Ernestine Shepherd—the world’s oldest female bodybuilder at 84 years old, and she did not start her new career until she was 56 years old.
- Lisa Gable—started an intimate apparel company at 70 years old, found in Nordstrom.
- Hershel McGriff—became the oldest driver to win a NASCAR race at age 61 and continued racing until he was 81.
- Ida Keeling—began running at 67 and now holds Masters records in 60 meter and 100 meter distances for women in the 95-99 and 100-plus age groups.
- Harriete Thompson—began running marathons at 76 years old. She became the oldest woman ever to complete a 26-mile race and has raised over $90,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since she started running.
- Charles Eugster—began bodybuilding at 87 years old and broke dozens of records.
- Frances Woofenden—85 years old and began water skiing when she moved to Florida at 50 years old. She is now a champion skier with over 100 medals.
- Nola Ochs—became the oldest college graduate at 97 years old and went on to get her Master’s Degree.
These seniors have shown the world that the phrase “age is nothing but a number” is more than just catchy. Living a healthy and active senior lifestyle is not only possible but clearly glorious! Fight the social norms towards ageism by setting an example for your family and senior community. Do not give in to the pessimistic view that after a “certain age,” you no longer have anything else to contribute to society. Rise and work on your unfulfilled dreams, you never know who you might inspire.
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