Love

Written by Grace Pow
 
It is believed that ageing can lead to muscle deterioration which will limit our mobility and cognitive power. Many consider 60 is a cut-off age between ‘old’ and ‘young’. Ageing seems to be quite scary because we will become fragile. Our memory will deteriorate too. But some golden agers have proved that we can still challenge our physical fitness and maintain our intelligence if we have willpower and perseverance. 
 
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Julia Hawkins celebrated her 106^th birthday at the beginning of this year. The retired teacher, nicknamed ‘Hurricane’, loves exercise and challenges. After cycling for many years, she joined her 1^st competition at the age of 80 and won several gold medals throughout the years.

It was indeed amazing that Hawkins took up sprinting when she was 100 years old. In 2017 and 2021, she set the 100m world records for women in the 100+ and 105+ age categories.

Hawkins believes that being active is the key to a healthy and happy life. Despite the pandemic, the centenarian continues doing exercise. She still practises walking and running indoors.
Her goal is to inspire others.

Reference:

- sprinter  
 
Lew Hollander, a 92-year-old Guinness World Records holder, is the oldest and/or fastest competitor of numerous triathlons and marathons. His nickname is The Ironman’s Ironman.
 
The retired physicist and world champion athlete celebrated his 90-year-old birthday two years ago. He joined a virtual sprint marathon and 3 sprint triathlons in 2020 and 2021, respectively. His determination has certainly overcome his age barrier.
 
Hollander’s life-long goal is to enjoy healthy ageing. To accomplish his goal, he keeps pushing himself to the limits and never gives up.

Reference:

- triathlete
https://bendmagazine.com/meet-lew-hollander-the-world-champion-endurance-athlete-and-physicist-still-thriving-at-90/
 
https://oregonseniorgames.com/articles/read-up-on-lew-hollander-senior-ironman/
Age means nothing to Ernestine Shepard. At the age of 86, Ernestine Shepard is still full of energy. She works as a body building trainer. Determined, disciplined and dedicated, she began to join aerobics classes when she was 56. Not only did Shepard win the championship when she took part in her 1^st body building competition at 71, she also got her name in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most senior female bodybuilder competitor.
 
Her goal is to lead a positive life and keep going.
Reference:

– dancer
https://inf.news/en/entertainment/28433fed0125b2f58368ff33ba29ae6f.html
 
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=266872231216949

 
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Age should not be an obstacle to hinder us from setting our goals, finding and developing our passion at different stages of life. Some of us may start adopting a slow living lifestyle at 60+. It should also be a good time to develop the habit of doing exercise.  No one is born to be a sports genius. And not everyone can be a world record breaker. But doing exercise can help us to maintain good physical and mental health. Let’s work hard together!