What do college football, beauty pageants, and autobiography literature all have in common? They are all being taken on by your not so typical, but more than qualified seniors! These three inspiring stories prove that elders are capable of anything they set their minds to, and it is never too late to follow your dreams.
On the College Gridiron: Granddad Lives a Dream and Offers a Lesson
Alan Moore began kicking in 7th grade, after his mother called it “the prettiest play in football.” Alan briefly kicked in high school but left football at a young age. After fighting in Vietnam, working in construction for nearly forty years, and starting a family, Moore went to college and joined the school’s football team at the age of 61. With BELIEVE on his kicking shoe, Moore wants to spread the message, “be persistent, persevere.” Read more about this story.
Seniors Show Talent at Beauty Pageant
Nine Emeritus Senior Living communities collaborated and hosted the first annual Ms. Emeritus Pageant. With 700 years between the nine pageant contestants, these ladies proved that they have just gotten better with age.
Man Learns to Read at Age 96 & Writes a Book
Jim Henry was illiterate until age 96, when he was encouraged by residents at his Benchmark Senior Living community to learn to read. Emboldened by the support of his peers and others in his community, Jim not only learned to read and write but also became a published author, penning a 29 chapter autobiography.
Ageism
Seniors are active, involved members of society. Whether it is a systematic practice or a personally held prejudice, ageism robs seniors of choice, independence, dignity and negatively impacts their quality of life. ALFA would like everyone to do their part to build awareness about ageism and how we, as a society, can reduce or eliminate the harm it causes. Learn more about ALFA’s efforts to eradicate ageism.
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