For me, aging well includes physical strength, agility, and joy. I want to boost the quality of my years, not just the quantity. To help me reach my goals, I look around for those who are achieving theirs. They are on courts playing with people half their age, lifting weights, and doing yoga positions I have yet to master. And all with smiles on their faces.

I first admired Jan Engelhardt from afar. She was lifting heavy weights at the gym. Only her white hair gave a clue to her age. I met Sue Griffith at the gym, too. She showed me her stuff while playing a pickleball match. Both ladies are in their mid-eighties. How do they do it? Here’s what they told me when I asked about their workout routines, hobbies, and what brings them joy.

Jan Engelhardt

“Years ago, I made a commitment to myself to exercise at least five days a week, with a variety of activities. I have a trainer two days a week lifting weights and working on core, cardio, balance, flexibility, and agility. People are surprised at the weight I can lift. Some days I work in the gym on treadmill, aerobic machines, and other equipment. Variety is important.

Other activities I enjoy include reading, playing pickleball and mahjongg, gardening, cooking, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and traveling.

I want to be strong so I can continue living on my own, driving, helping friends and neighbors, and being active in church. To me, fitness is necessary to maintain my health, improves my outlook, and helps me sleep.”

Sue Griffith

“My strength training routine begins with early morning stretching. I do weightlifting, yoga, and stair climbing regularly. My joys are chocolate, jigsaw puzzles, and engagement in community. I participated in Courageous Conversations at Barrington’s White House, and 1st Tuesday group in Oak Park, working for racial diversity in schools and community.

I have traveled to Africa, Russia, Italy, England, South America, and Newfoundland as well as within the United States and Canada. Gardening is another activity I enjoy. I grow flowers in my back yard and share Plot 40 at Beese Gardens with a neighbor where we grow vegetables and flowers.

I like hiking. I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 24 years ago and hiked up and down the Grand Canyon several times. High school tennis and adult racquetball led me to currently playing pickleball.”

The more I get to know these ladies, the more I admire their strength, tenacity, wisdom, and generosity. Staying fit is a lifelong journey. They are true mentors for aging well.

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Mary Klest is a Barrington-based writer and local journalism advocate. She can be reached at mary@maryklest.com.