Uplifting Stories of Amazing Seniors

Retirement is a time to enjoy life and relax. Many people find they suffer from boredom, however, when they don’t have a job. There’s no reason to become complacent and sit around. Countless seniors around the globe use this time to pursue new interests or build on skills they already have. Nothing says a person has to get old. They can just get better. The following seniors have done amazing things in their senior years. 

Johanna Quaas

Imagine walking into a memory care community and seeing a senior female tumbling across the floor. Many people would be concerned about her health, but not if she is Johanna Quaas. This German native continues to do gymnastics at 88. She started in the sport when she was very young and has been competing since 1934. In fact, she has an entry in The Guinness Book of World Records thanks to her participation in the 2012 Turnier der Meister. 

Wang Deshaun

Men the world over look up to Wang Deshaun. This 80-year-old grandfather took to the catwalk to model beside men and women much younger than he is. An actor by trade, Deshaun started going to the gym when he was in his 50s. His dedication to staying fit has paid off, as seen by his success as a model. 

Manfred Steiner

Dr. Manfred Steiner earned two Ph.D. degrees in his younger years, but he wanted to learn more. When he retired, he realized he needed something to fill his time. He realized he could now study physics, something he couldn’t do when working. Over time, he decided to take this further and earn another Ph.D. He did so at 89, which shows you are never too old to learn something new, even if you live in assisted living homes in Culver City, CA. 

Julia Hawkins

Julia Hawkins, known by her nickname Hurricane, ran the 100-meter dash in 62 seconds. Many people will say this is slow until they learn she is 105 years old. This achievement is so rare that a new category had to be created just for her. Surprisingly, Ms. Hawkins has been a biker her entire life. She only took up running a few years before she set this record. 

Flo Meiler

In her 80s, Flo Meiler continues to break world records. At the 2021 USA Track and Field Masters Outdoor Championships, Ms. Meiler set two world records, one in the 80-meter hurdles and one in the pentathlon. In addition, she now holds an American record for the 2,000-meter steeplechase. Ms. Meiler says her success is because she works hard, but has fun while doing so. Training six days a week allows her to compete at this level, and she doesn’t appear to be slowing down. 

Eileen Kramer

Eileen Kramer may not be a name many people know, but they should. At 106, Ms. Kramer isn’t slowing down at all. She traveled the world until the age of 99 when she returned to Sydney. She continues to create videos showcasing her dancing skills and has found ways to fill her free time with creative activities. Ms. Kramer entered the country’s most prestigious painting competition, has published books, and writes a story every day. She tells people she isn’t old and prefers to say she has been here a long time. 

M.J. “Sunny” Eberhart

When M.J. “Sunny” Eberhart retired, he took up a hobby. He started walking and has yet to stop. In fact, he became the oldest person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, doing so at 83. Other hikers refer to him as “Nimblewill Nomad”. Mr. Eberhart said he sustained some injuries while on the trail and battled pain, but he survived. His journey didn’t start at the Appalachian Trail either. It actually began in Alabama, where he lives. Eberhart was joined by Dale Sanders for the last few miles to the trail. Sanders held the record until Eberhart broke it. When Sanders hiked this same trail, he was 82. 

Some individuals may spend their retirement years in a memory care center, but not all will. People of all ages need to exercise and eat right, so they can enjoy their senior years fully. These individuals show that anything is possible, no matter how old you are. What are you going to do during your senior years? 

About Terraza Court:

Terraza Court provides a personalized approach to assisted living and memory care. This allows each resident to live life as they desire. Residents choose between private and semi-private assisted living and memory care residences.