By Julie E 
Photo Credit ( freepik )
The elderly are resilient, strong individuals who should not be underestimated. We still have a long way to go, though, despite the enormous progress our society has made in embracing diversity and altering our stereotypes of aging.
Our current understanding and portrayal of aging often presents older people in an incredibly unrealistic and archaic manner. In our advertisements and media, older persons are still grossly underrepresented, and when they are, they are frequently portrayed as depressed, weak, or hopeless individuals who are unable to take care of themselves.
It is obvious that a significant change in how society views older people is long overdue. After all, there’s a reason why our early years are called the “golden years” so frequently. A unique and exciting time in the life of older folks is upon them; for the first time in their lives, they have more free time to travel, experience new and thrilling activities, and take on new challenges.
Rather than presenting older individuals as these idiots, we ought to be highlighting their amazing qualities, enabling and motivating them to continue living life to the fullest.
Revising this antiquated portrayal of older persons can, in our opinion as proponents of a future that exemplifies happier, healthier aging, serve as a catalyst for significant change.
It’s time to bring in a new era when seniors are motivated to grow, prosper, and demonstrate their abilities to the world. It’s critical to spotlight older folks who are embracing life with energy and proving to the world that they are unstoppable in order to help change the narrative.
Without further ado, check out these five motivational seniors who are shattering ageist stereotypes by taking names, kicking ass, and changing the negative picture of aging in society.
It would be an understatement to say that 86-year-old Japanese Ironman Hiromu Inada is an inspiration. He broke the record for the oldest competitor to finish an Ironman triathlon last year, at the age of 85. Ironman triathlons are among the hardest and most exhausting races ever.
Competitors must complete a 180.25-kilometer bike ride, a 4.2.2-kilometer full marathon swim, and a full marathon. Inada demonstrates that regardless of our current stage of life, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to provided we have the correct attitude and persistence.
The image of style: Iris Apfel
For decades, this 98-year-old native of New York worked her way up in the textile, fashion, and design industries. Her remarkable career encompasses many roles such as interior design (she has completed projects at the White House), visiting professor lectureships, novel authoring, and much more.
She became one of the oldest ever signees of the prestigious modeling firm IMG models when she inked a deal with them this year, 2019. She is completely embodies the idea of style at any age and is making a significant impact on challenging our preconceived ideals of beauty.
Ernestine Shepherd, the bodybuilder
Bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd, 83, is a Baltimore native who proves that it’s never too late to pursue your fitness objectives. At the age of 56, she began training under her sister, and during her stellar professional bodybuilding career, she also held positions as a personal trainer and model.
She was formally recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “oldest competitive female bodybuilder” in 2010. She still works out frequently even though she is no longer competitive, and she says she never gets aches or problems from exercising. She keeps pushing herself to achieve new levels of fitness, demonstrating to everyone that getting older is just a number.
Skydiver: Hodges, Kathryn “Kitty”
This year, at the age of 103, this daring daredevil from Seattle smashed the previous record and became the oldest female tandem skydiver since her brave 102-year-old predecessors.
Her bravery demonstrates that it’s never too late to take on novel, unanticipated projects. She encourages us to seize every opportunity and to face our biggest concerns head-on, no matter how overwhelming they may appear at first.
Betty White is the comedian and actress.
Without including the illustrious Betty White, this list would not be complete. This 97-year-old native of Oak Park, Illinois, has had a very successful career. In 1939, she began acting immediately after graduating from high school, and her influence is still felt today.
She has worked in television and movies for decades, published multiple books, done humanitarian work, and much more. She continues to laugh throughout life, and we all laugh right along with her. She demonstrates that professional success is ageless and that you can maintain your wit, vivacity, and professionalism at any age.