World Record: 99-Year-Old Grandmother Clocks 5K Less Than an Hour. These Seniors Prove Age Is Just a Number By Defying Norms, Breaking Fitness Records

The saying “age isn’t nothing but a number” is exemplified by the extraordinary achievements of several senior citizens who spend their golden years knee-deep in athletic competition. Take, for instance, marathon runner Betty Lindberg, 99, who is part of a select group of individuals defying the odds and age-related norms for their physical fitness.

 

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The near-100-year-old competed in a 5k marathon in Georgia, a challenging race that spans 5 kilometers. According to the Atlanta Track Club, in 2022, she “broke the 5K world record for the 95-99 age group.” Last year, she completed the 5k in less than an hour, a remarkable feat for someone her age.

Lindberg competed in every Peachtree – 10,000 meter – run except the 1989 race, WGCL News reports.

Lindberg said running marathons “gives [her] some pleasure” and adds that it makes her feel good.

 

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Jim Arrington, 91, is the oldest to compete in a professional bodybuilding contest.

He explained to Guinness World Records that he trains three times a week. He credits his ability to adapt to his evolving body with helping him maintain a physically fit lifestyle over the decades.

“What worked for a person at one time in their life isn’t [always going to remain] the same,” Arrington explained, emphasizing the need to adapt.

The 91-year-old changed his diet and gym routine over the years. He evolved from lots of beef and milk to more olive oil and mushrooms because, unlike beef and milk, olive oil and mushrooms caused less inflammation.

 

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Ernestine Shepherd, 87, became the oldest woman to compete in professional bodybuilding in 2010.

The odds-defying grandmother was motivated to get into exercise and fitness after she disliked how she looked in a swimsuit.

In addition to her gym workouts, she watches what she eats by consuming 1,700 calories a day. Her diet consists of eggs, chicken, and vegetables, ABC News reports.

Today, she leads a gym class for other adults with some spiritual motivation.

Devoted followers of Shepherd called her an inspiration.

“Thank you for being my inspiration from my young adult years to this present time,” Instagram user Claudette Queen commented.

 

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Marion Beulke, 95, was the oldest competitor at the 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast, ABC News reports.

“We’re inclined to sleep more at this age, and that is dangerous,” Beulke said.

Beulke started swimming competitively at the age of 75. She learned to love the watersport after winning a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle race.

She trains once a week but sometimes twice a week if a competition is coming up.

She credits the support of her family for helping her accomplish so much over the last 20 years.

“The girls said they are going to put all of my medals – I’ve got a drawer full of medals – in my coffin.’ I said, ‘No, that would be too heavy, and maybe you’ll bury them on top of the coffin,” Beulke said lightheartedly.

John Worley is an 80-year-old master martial artist. WCCO News said he marked his milestone birthday by completing 80 push-ups.

“There are days when I certainly feel like I’m 80. Most of the time, I feel great. I don’t feel any different than I did ten years ago,” Worley told the news outlet.

Worley, a 10th-degree black belt, says martial arts trains and sharpens his mind and body, which helps his stamina and longevity.

Reaching Milestones

Whether you’re living with a cancer diagnosis or some other condition, it’s common to gain an added sense of gratitude along your journey. When milestone moments arise, either during or after a cancer battle, they have a more significant meaning.

According to Cancer.net, patients and their support groups, which include loved ones, may engage in activities to help recognize and celebrate memorable milestones.

These activities include planning a nice dinner or party-like gathering and spending time donating money or volunteering to a cancer charity. Perhaps the way you memorialize your cancer milestone could be independent of others. Examples include a solitary walk-in nature and allowing your senses to take hold while you reflect.

How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

For cancer patients, there are many advantages to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment. The general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle are similar whether you have cancer or not.

Medical Oncologist and Hematologist Dr. Ken Miller shared some guidelines for cancer survivors who are concerned about a recurrence with SurvivorNet:

• Exercise at least two hours a week, and walking counts.
• Eat a low-fat diet.
• Eat a colorful diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society recommends aiming for two to three cups of vibrant vegetables and fruits each day.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that being obese can increase your risk for several types of cancer.

“The more physically fit you are going through your cancer treatment, the fewer side effects you’ll have and the faster you’ll get back to your normal quality of life,” Dr. Sairah Ahmed told SurvivorNet.

Dr. Ahmed is an associate professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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