Celebrating Super Seniors
Source: Vancouver Sun (Wayne Leidenfrost/ PNG)
Betty Jean McHugh is a marathon runner from Vancouver.
Number 95, Lou Billinkoff from Winnipeg, still gets a thrill from running the 100-meter dash.
Both Gloria Ruttkay and Harry Whalen take to the daring C.N. Tower Edge Walk.
What do these people have in common? In addition to their physically and psychologically challenging ambitions, they are seniors: ages 90, 95, 87 and 97, respectively. Their goal-setting feats might have something to do with their vitality too.
An article in Time Magazine from August 2017, People Age Better If They Have a Purpose In Life reported:
“Having a purpose in life may help people maintain their function and independence as they age, according to a new study published in JAMA Psychiatry. … this study is among the first to examine its connection with physical functioning.”.
Indeed, Queen Elizabeth II has been on the job for 66 years and still enjoys a horseback ride at age 92.
Today’s seniors are more active, engaged and educated than ever before. They are community leaders, volunteers, entrepreneurs, artists, caregivers, and daredevils. The province of Ontario recognizes outstanding seniors who have made significant contributions to their communities after the age of 65 through the Ontario Senior Achievement Award, and the Ontario Senior of the Year Award. Across the province, special events are held in June to honour Seniors Month, including award ceremonies, recognition events, socials, and seniors’ information and active living fairs.
Seniors are storytellers and walking encyclopedias. Never mind Google and Siri, just ask grandma and grandpa! That’s what Nikolai Meijer did: last year, the 12-year old interviewed eight centenarians in London, Ontario, to learn about Canadian history. He got more than facts. He also heard a lot of memories and gained valuable lessons on living 100 years: “Eat well, exercise, don’t smoke, enjoy life, be happy, get busy, do something, be nice to people, and learn something new every day.”
“Capturing history is so important because it we don’t capture it before it’s too late those stories are gone and we can’t learn from them anymore.” – Nikolai Meijer
When was the last time you sat down with your special senior and just talked? Record their stories and celebrate their lifetime achievements. You can apply for special birthday and wedding anniversary acknowledgements from the Queen, here. It keeps her busy!
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