People with athletic abilities don’t always stop being active once they hit the senior years. In fact, there are many older adults across Canada who remain in good health and continue to pursue the sports they loved in their younger years. Oakville home care experts recommend taking a look at this list of awe-inspiring Canadian athletes aged 65 and over and find out how they stay healthy and active.
1. Betty Jean McHugh
McHugh, who was born in North Vancouver in 1928, is a marathon runner who is often called the world’s fastest senior. She broke the record she currently holds when she ran Big Sur. Running is a family affair for McHugh, who often competes in marathons with her son and granddaughter. She credits staying away from negative people and running as the primary reasons for her good health.
2. Sandra Post
Born in Oakville, ON, in 1948, Post is a retired professional golfer who won 8 LPGA tours and finished as a runner-up in other golf competitions 20 times. After she stopped touring, she had an extremely successful career as a golf instructor and founded the Post School of Golf, which has many locations throughout Canada. She also stays active and relevant by producing instructional golf DVDs and designing her namesake golf clubs and apparel.
3. Rhona and Rhoda Wurtele
These 94-year-old identical twins from Saint Lambert, QC, are skiers who broke boundaries when they competed at the 1948 Winter Olympics as the entire women’s ski team. The Wurtele twins also got married in a double ceremony. Even after the twins had children, they continued to compete and win in many skiing events, including the Kate Smith International and the Alta Cup. The Wurtele twins believe their active lifestyle of golfing and skiing has helped them stay healthy and strong.
4. Bobby Orr
Born in 1948 in Parry Sound, ON, Orr is a former professional hockey player who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League and has won over 16 major awards during his career, including the Hart Trophy for most valuable player and the Art Ross Trophy for most points scored. After he retired, Orr was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for all the outstanding hockey contributions he made. Orr attributes his health to his love of coaching hockey and his charity work.
Even if your senior loved one has never been a master athlete, it’s still important for him or her to get regular exercise. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with physical activity, cook healthy meals, and help with a wide variety of other tasks. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s home care Oakville seniors can rely on. For more information and to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (905) 337-1200 to speak with a qualified Care Manager.