Three Cheers For Diana Nyda for Putting a New Face on Senior Citizens (years, grandma)

[Caladium]

I'm sorry Diana Nyad didn't complete her swim from Cuba to Florida in the way she had hoped, but I deeply admire her grit and determination. At 62 she is an inspiration to us all. It's the determination that really impresses me--I may not share her dreams, but I like that she shows the world that being a senior doesn't mean you have to give up your dreams, whatever they may be.

[ipoetry]

Beautiful post!! I agree. There's no reason to fade into the background after a certain age.

[biscuitmom]

She's just a youngster, as is Kathy Martin, who is smashing running records at 60.

Here are the REAL senior gals, my idols all:
Betty Jean McHugh and Joy Johnson, running and winning marathons in their 80's.
Marie Kelleher, 99-year-old competitive swimmer.
Johanna Quaas, 86-year-old gymnast.
Tao Porchon-Lynch, 93-year-old yoga teacher.
Olga Koltelko, competitive track athete in her 90's.
Ila Keeling, 95-year-old runner.
Sister Madonna Buder Ironman Triathlon Competitor at 80.
Ernestine Shepherd 73-year-old body builder and marathon runner.
Helen Zechmeister 91-year-old weight lifter.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by biscuitmom

She's just a youngster, as is Kathy Martin, who is smashing running records at 60.

Here are the REAL senior gals, my idols all:
Betty Jean McHugh and Joy Johnson, running and winning marathons in their 80's.
Marie Kelleher, 99-year-old competitive swimmer.
Johanna Quaas, 86-year-old gymnast.
Tao Porchon-Lynch, 93-year-old yoga teacher.
Olga Koltelko, competitive track athete in her 90's.
Ila Keeling, 95-year-old runner.
Sister Madonna Buder Ironman Triathlon Competitor at 80.
Ernestine Shepherd 73-year-old body builder and marathon runner.
Helen Zechmeister 91-year-old weight lifter.

Those women are awesome!

This brings up a recent issue we're debating in our retirement search. My husband wonders if we should really put kayaking and walking trails high on our list of things to consider for our future retirement city.

He says that although both those activities are a major part of our lives right now, in another ten years we won't be able to kayak anymore, and we may not be taking walks anymore either. I say "Nonsense!". For one thing, kayaking isn't that difficult, and for another seniors like the women above are painting another picture of what seniors can do. Not that I'm aspiring to be a competitive athlete in my 80s and 90s, but I want to remain active, and that includes kayaking and taking long walks for at least another couple of decades.

[LibraGirl123]

Originally Posted by biscuitmom

She's just a youngster, as is Kathy Martin, who is smashing running records at 60.

Here are the REAL senior gals, my idols all:
Betty Jean McHugh and Joy Johnson, running and winning marathons in their 80's.
Marie Kelleher, 99-year-old competitive swimmer.
Johanna Quaas, 86-year-old gymnast.
Tao Porchon-Lynch, 93-year-old yoga teacher.
Olga Koltelko, competitive track athete in her 90's.
Ila Keeling, 95-year-old runner.
Sister Madonna Buder Ironman Triathlon Competitor at 80.
Ernestine Shepherd 73-year-old body builder and marathon runner.
Helen Zechmeister 91-year-old weight lifter.

Great post, Biscuitmom. Tried to rep you, but was told I have to "spread it around".