According to the founder of Seniors Helping Seniors (Sussex County), Amy McDermott, getting old does not have to be tough at all. She claims that it is all about attitude and encourages seniors to keep dreaming and setting their heights high.
Indeed, at last month’s Dewey Beach Sprint Triathlon, it was the seniors who came in third place! With 22 teams participating, the elderly crew beat out many who were half their ages! The 65+ year olds including Al Gardiner, Miriam Fegeley Gardiner and Dick Kent got to take home medals following their defeat in the half-mile ocean swim, 3.5-mile run and 16-mile bike triathlon.
The triathlon – that took place on September 17th – marked the 20th annual event of its kind held to benefit the Sussex Family YMCA. And – with great success – McDermott’s goal was to inspire seniors to “stay healthy, stay active, understand the importance of social networking and to live independently in their home as long as possible.”
Prior to the event, McDermott hosted a discussion with seniors on how to increase the quality of their lives and make them more meaningful at the local Coastal Sussex Chapter of NARFE, an organization set up to represent the concerns of federal employees and retirees. With the goal of Seniors Helping Seniors being matching up seniors with others to help them fulfill their dreams, it seems there are no limits with McDermott’s advice to seniors. As she explains: “Why not travel, plan a big reunion (something important to look forward to) or even walk/run a marathon? It’s been my privilege to engage and inspire seniors who want to remain independent, to age with grace and dignity while remaining in their own home as long as they can.”