Latest news with #nonagenarian
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
My family took our 90-year-old grandma on an RV camping trip. It reminded us to never underestimate older relatives.
When my family invited our grandma on an RV camping trip, we weren't sure how she'd react. She didn't hesitate to join us, and we rented a golf cart to help her make the most of the trip. I made memories that I'll keep forever, and I learned not to underestimate my older relatives. When I tell friends that my grandmother is 90, they're usually stunned. Thanks to the skincare regimen that keeps her skin smooth and the crossword-puzzle habit that keeps her mind sharp, she definitely doesn't seem like your typical nonagenarian. Nonetheless, she is still 90. Her balance isn't perfect, she walks with a cane, and requires assistance with going up or down stairs. Save for some quick weekends away for her grandnieces' weddings, she hasn't traveled in a few years because of her physical limitations. One of the last times we took her on a real vacation, she left with a broken patella. Still, my grandma is a go-getter. Whatever she can physically muster, she will attempt. So, when my parents and I decided to take a semi-last-minute camping trip in our RV, we invited her along with us — and she jumped at the opportunity. Our campground had tons of activities, including several that my grandma could enjoy We drove our RV from our home in New York to the campsite in Pennsylvania. Our camper sleeps up to six people, but with only four of us traveling, our grandma had plenty of extra room to get comfortable at night. Because our trip came together fairly late in the game, we weren't left with many campsite options. We decided on Jellystone Park, a Yogi Bear-themed campground franchise geared toward families with young children. The campsite featured a main store, an activity area complete with water slides, and basketball courts. With my grandma's physical needs in mind, we rented a golf cart to bring her around the grounds. We may not have been the campground's target demographic — most of the on-site activities seemed designed for kids, and I saw younger families everywhere I looked — but it's safe to say that we had more fun than anyone else there. My grandma stayed away from the water slides, but she happily played mini-golf. (It brought out a competitive side of her that we'd never seen before!) Although the campsite's mini hiking trail was a bit too much for her, she happily joined us to take our dogs on walks around the property. Even just driving the golf cart around the campground became a fun activity — my grandma and I took turns pointing out the various license plates we saw from different states. The experience reminded me not to underestimate older relatives It was amazing to watch my grandma's confidence grow every day as her body adapted to certain challenges. On day one, she needed her cane and someone to hold her arm as she mounted the four steps into the RV. By day three, she was able to hoist herself up and down the stairs into the RV by herself. I also loved how the trip gave us time to unplug and be present, letting nature bring us all closer together. As we sat outside listening to the subtle chirping of birds, my grandma shared stories about her early summers spent on a farm in upstate New York. Her eyes twinkled as she recalled memories from bygone days as if they'd happened just yesterday. While I listened to her stories, a thought crossed my mind: When I'm 90 years old, I hope I'll also be telling stories just like this one about the incredible camping trip I took with my grandma. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
ABC News
09-08-2025
- Health
- ABC News
92yo says driving is key to independence in regional Queensland
Most mornings start the same for Graham Brennan. He's up and out the door early, cruising the tame streets of the outback Queensland town he calls home. At 92, it's this routine that keeps the nonagenarian feeling decades younger. "I can't quite believe it myself, I feel about 50 or 60," he quips. "I love being independent and doing what I want to do, when I want to do, how I want to do it." Mr Brennan lives in the remote mining city of Mount Isa, almost 2,000 kilometres from Queensland's capital. Without public transport, options for getting around are limited for ageing locals. If he didn't have a licence, the 92-year-old would have to walk long distances in temperatures that hover above 30 degrees Celsius for much of the year. After a stint in a car repair shop thanks to a busted gasket, Mr Brennan was given a taste of the alternative. "There's no bus, there's a fairly long walk so sometimes I will get a cab home because it's a long way back and it's uphill," Mr Brennan says. "I was shaking all over when I got the call to say it was done. In Queensland, there is no upper age limit for a licence, but stringent annual health checks help keep ageing drivers and the broader public safe. Drivers aged 75 and over must attend a licence medical check every 12 months and always carry a medical certificate. Mr Brennan's GP, Michael Mbaogu, conducts assessments like these every day. "A lot is riding on the back of these licences [in regional Queensland]," Dr Mbaogu says. "If you're unable to drive, then you cannot go where you want. "In a place like this, they need a vehicle to get around. There's a delicate balance between public safety and maintaining patient wellbeing and quality of life. "It's not just about cognitive impairment … we can refer to specialists to check hearing, eyesight, blood pressure," Dr Mbaogu says. "If we're not sure, we will send them for a practical driving assessment, and if they're not fit to operate a motor vehicle, they will not get a certificate." Advocacy group Council on the Ageing Queensland chief executive Darren Young said it was important to use capability as the barometer, rather than age. "Losing a licence is a big fear for people across regional Queensland. It can have really drastic effects," Mr Young says. "Not being able to see friends or relying on neighbours to go to the shops. "Some people even stop eating as regularly or they don't get the medication they want." The Sunshine State has an ageing population. By 2050, government data estimates almost 25 per cent of Queenslanders will be aged 65 and over. Unlike the major cities, transport options are limited across much of regional Queensland, so Mr Young hopes to see a statewide approach to the growing issue. "Every community is different and will need a different solution to address their transport needs, so we should start that now and start planning and preparing for that future," he says. With a clean bill of health, Mr Brennan has been given the green light for the next 12 months. A long-time volunteer, he uses his freedom to give back to his community, lending a hand at the local Meals on Wheels for the past 20 years. It gives the 92-year-old a sense of purpose three days a week. "It's been a wonderful way to help people and serve meals. You meet such wonderful friends and people," he says. "It's a big family here, I love it." A licence holder for more than 75 years, Mr Brennan has managed decades on the road without a mark against his record. But he's realistic about how long it will last and is making the most of it while he can. "I just obey the rules of the road and take it easy," Mr Brennan says. "As long as I can hold out and keep driving for Meals on Wheels and life is good to me health-wise, I'll be right." This story is part of a five-part series exploring how regional Queenslanders are ageing well outside the capital city.
South China Morning Post
11-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Chinese grandma, 92, wows public by easily completing 200 push-ups, 100 sit-ups daily
A 92-year-old grandmother in China has wowed mainland internet users by doing 200 push-ups and 100 sit-ups each day. The nonagenarian's fitness exploits are the latest example of how the country's senior citizens are embracing challenging workout routines. She came under the spotlight after she shared longevity tips at a Yao Ethnic Minority Medicine Festival in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County in central Hunan province in early June, Jianghua TV reported. Nonagenarian Li could shame a person less than half her age with her push-up prowess. Photo: Douyin 'Maybe my movements in doing the push-ups are not up to standard, but I insist on doing 200 each day,' the woman surnamed Li, was quoted as saying. She said she habitually exercises at home because it often rains and it is not convenient for her to take part in outdoor activities. When reporters arrived at Li's home, she happily obliged them by completing 100 sit-ups on her bed and 200 push-ups on the floor. She also skilfully spins the hula hoop, according to the report. Li also revealed that she bathes her feet in hot water every evening.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dick Van Dyke, 99, reveals what the 'curse' of living to almost 100 is
Dick Van Dyke has opened up about the reality of living to be a nonagenarian. The 99-year-old legendary filmmaker — who recently remarked on his 46-year age gap with wife Arlene Van Dyke — reflected on his long life during a Q&A at their Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event. During the conversation, Dick revealed he and his late friend Ed Asner had planned to do a remake of The Odd Couple before his death at age 91 in August 2021. 'That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends,' the actor noted, according to an account from People. His 53-year-old wife added, 'He's outlived everybody. That's the curse of living to almost 100.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. When asked by his significant other what the secret to remaining positive is despite his losses, he answered, 'Well, life's been good to me. I can't complain.' Dick, who turns 100 in December, said he continues to perform at his age because it energizes him. 'I'm a ham. I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience,' the star told People at the Malibu, California gathering. While there, he performed live with his musical group, the barbershop quartet The Vantastix. He also highlighted his role as Albert Peterson in Broadway's Bye Bye Birdie from April 1960 to October 1961. '[It's] the one that got me off the ground,' Van Dyke explained. 'It was the biggest thrill. And I got a Tony [Award] later.' He went on to reprise the role in the 1963 movie adaptation while simultaneously starring in his self-titled sitcom. On The Dick Van Dyke Show, the Hollywood hot commodity played played a comedy writer named Rob Petrie for five years. The success of the show led to him being cast in dual roles — chimney sweeper Bert and bank chairman Mr. Dawes Sr. — for 1964's Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews. He reflected about working with Andrews, now 89, 'I'm not a real singer, so I tend to be under, fighting to get up there and sing on top of the note. Just took me forever in the recording. '[Andrews] was just patient as could be and kept helping me, saying, "Think high. Think up there."'
