Mothers Inspiring Others

 
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Want some true stories about aging with an attitude? Thinking about Mother’s Day and moms who embrace life beyond breakfast in bed, flowers, and candy from the kiddos, we found some amazing examples for evolving an outlook towards aging and late-life accomplishments.

Meet the moms:

Lucille Singleton – a mom who started running in her late sixties and ran her first marathon when she was 75. A widow, with children living in another state, Lucille is comfortable fending for herself and she’s unafraid of making changes. Her diabetes and frequent dialysis don’t get her down – she says she keeps her body busy “at all times” and hasn’t stopped.

Edith Connor – a mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great grandmother of six. At age 79, she held the Guinness Book of World Records title as the Oldest Female Competitive Bodybuilder. She hits the gym several times a week to stay competitive.

Harriette Thompson – a grandmother of 10, ran a marathon at age 91 and recorded the fastest time by a woman 90 or older. She ran the race with her 55-year old son at an average of 16:19 minutes per mile. It was slower than she would have wished but the recent radiation treatment on her legs to treat squamous cell carcinoma slowed her training. Six days before her marathon, she and her 90-year old husband ran a 5K together.

Ernestine Shepherd – a grandmother holding the title as the world’s oldest female bodybuilder at age 75. She didn’t dedicate her entire life to fitness, and wants you to know, “you can start at any age.” At age 56, Ernestine went swimsuit shopping with her sister and while trying on suits and laughing at themselves, she realized it was time to get in better physical shape. She takes no medications and has no aches or pains. She trains mostly senior women five days a week, inspiring them to reach their physical potential.

Jackie Stallone – Sylvester’s mom, astrologer and psychic, lifts weights, pumps iron, and does cross-fit training. She wants to be a role model for movie stars at age 50 because they dread getting old and Hollywood fears age. According to her official website, she was the first woman to have a daily TV show on exercise and weight lifting in Washington, D.C. and later opened a gym for women-only.

These are wonderful examples of seeing life and aging as an adventure – whatever we want for ourselves without regard to the number of years we’ve been living or health challenges. A long-held dream or wish can be realized, as it is never too late when you believe it is possible. Find a mentor, coach, or role model, and get started on your dream path.

Partners In Care is a locally-owned and operated family providing non-medical in-home care in nine Northern California counties.

Love on Valentine’s Day 

 
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Valentine’s Day can cause mixed emotions for older adults who are widowed or living alone. Mourning the loss of a spouse or loved one, no matter how long it has been, can be especially difficult and finding a special way to show them some extra love on Valentine’s Day can make a big difference.

Whether you are a family member, caregiver, or close friend, a thoughtful gesture can be
rewarding and create a nice memory. Some suggestions are:
 
•  The timeless hand-written message. This can take the form of a card (handmade with a
photo or ready-made with printed sentiment inside) or letter written on special stationery
with matching envelope. Think of the ways your elder is a stand out person, how they
make you feel good, what you like about working with them, what you admire about how
they live their life. Then simply tell them straight from the heart.
 
•  Balloons – get more than one and tie them together with a ribbon. Helium filled or blown
up by you – the more the merrier. The ‘bouquet’ of color will last for days after the holiday
has passed and continue to be a reminder of feeling special.
 
•  Ask your elder if they would like to look through old photo albums and tell you about their
loves and loved ones from days gone by. Invite a conversation about sweet memories
from the past like their first kiss, first crush, first love.
 
•  Many older adults have a sweet tooth, so if yours does, present them with homemade
cookies or a selection of their favorite candy or candy bar(s). These can be sugar free if
preferable. Indulgence on Valentine’s Day can be a treat all by itself.
 
•  Ask about their favorite romantic movie and if they would like to watch it if possible. Ask them why it is their favorite.
 
•  Invite one of their friends or neighbors over for tea, coffee, or cocktails. This third person
might appreciate being included as you might make their day special, too. 
 
•  If transportation is not a problem, take them for a drive to a favorite restaurant, park, or
scenic drive. Seeing the outdoors or favorite neighborhood can be a big boost if staying
indoors most of the time.
 
•  Think red. Get a bottle of red food coloring and make red pancakes or waffles for breakfast. Make red cupcakes or cookies. Make red tea. Dress them in red. Use red place-mats and napkins and plates, etc.
 
Making Valentine’s Day special for your loved one, client, or friend, will be rewarding and remembered as a special day for a long time.
 
Partners In Care is locally-owned and operated family business providing non-medical home-
care in nine Northern California counties.