Once a month I call bingo for a group of “older adults.” Each month we celebrate whoever is having a birthday. This month Norma stood up and told me she recently turned 80, but felt 60. One of the other ladies quickly chimed in that Norma ran a marathon on Saturday.
I walked toward Norma to question her about the marathon. She corrected the other woman and assured me she ran a 5k, not a marathon. Still….she’s 80!
Another woman stood beside Norma and told me she is the same age as Norma, but looks much older. I did not agree with her (that would have been rude!) but she was right. My mom is part of this Senior Citizen group. I often wonder how much longer Mom will be able to live independently because so many things are “wrong” with her. Mom is 4 years younger than Norma.
The more I talked to Norma the more I realized her youth was a result of her attitude. She is determined to stay young and active as long as she can.
I understand many people are unfortunate to acquire crappy genetics and some people have the misfortune of being involved in a physically damaging accident. However, many people, many many people simply choose to be lazy. How many of us reached middle age and found our rear ends attached to the recliner and our hand to the remote?
I was lucky to realize my future would look bleak if I did not make some changes. At the age of 43 I quit smoking and replaced that addiction with the addiction of exercise. Along with exercise came the desire to eat healthier. I will be the first to admit I continue to struggle with food but my new bad is so much better than my old bad.
Next month I will turn 53 (the age my dad died of an unexpected massive heart attack). At the age of 50 my life long friend and I ran a half marathon in celebration of our birthdays. This past Sunday I completed my first sprint triathlon. June 4th I will complete a 100 mile bike ride.
What will I do next? I don’t know but I hope I’m just like Norma when I grow up!
Conversations Around the Tree 
Congratulations and roll on, my friend! 💜
Thank you Laura!
Glad to see your back in my reader! 😃😀
I also want to be like Norma! I am trying. Going to try harder also! 😉
With the attitude and spirit I perceive you possess…I have no doubt you are like Norma!! Its nice to be back on your reader….hopefully my hibernation is over 🙂
Women like Norma are an inspiration. There are not many women of her age like her … women who believe that age shouldn’t be a limiter.
I applaud you dipping your foot into the triathlon world and your first Century ride in June!!
btw – nice to see you back on WP again after a very long absence. Hope to see more of you 🙂
You are so right Joanne….women like Joanne are an inspiration. I don’t understand why more people don’t meet people like her and get off the couch in an attempt to catch up!
The sprint tri. was good and I see how it could get addicting. As soon as I got my stats I started analyzing how to do each thing faster!! However, I plan to avoid running until after the century….I don’t want to risk knee damage before the big ride.
Its great to be back. I missed everyone and I’ve missed writing….so I’m back!! (thanks!)
I’m so glad to hear you are back!!! 🙂
Thank you Joanne! Now to catch up reading some of my favorite bloggers…like you!!
You’ll be busy. You’ve been gone a while 😉
I have…3 months 😦
Honestly I know there is no way to catch up on all the reading I’ve missed….but I’ll give it a shot!!
I’ve been here for the past 3 months and I can’t keep up!! Good luck!
LOL…I know, I have a difficult time keeping up in the best of circumstances!
A very inspiring post! Congratulations on all the healthy choices that you have made!
Thank you Shikha….everyday is a new day to make good choices!
Thank you for commenting.
You already are like Norma 😀 😀 Congrats!
Thanks Cee!! 🙂
Go Norma! And Tree! Rock on with your bad selves!
This being said by another youngster at heart!!
You (and Norma) is so right, staying young in mind and abilities comes down to attitude. Congratulations with your half marathon and sprint triathlon—and enjoy the 100 mile bike ride. 🙂
Thank you Otto! I assume this is a lesson you also have learned
Yes, it’s not new to me at all. 🙂