At 101, Fay Bond from Oriental, North Carolina, isn’t slowing down. Unlike many in their golden years, she’s still fiercely competitive, recently participating in the National Senior Games 2025. Her events include shot put, long jump, and discus throw.
Fay’s philosophy? “If you believe you can do something, go for it!” This mindset hasn’t just carried her through sports; it’s been a way of life. She taught water aerobics for nearly 50 years and remains passionate about gardening, walking, and dancing with her husband.
Her daughter, 75-year-old Irma Bond, keeps up with her active lifestyle, sprinting every morning. Fay instilled strong health habits in her family. “We didn’t have packaged foods or soda in our house,” Irma recalls. Fay’s healthy habits clearly influence her family—Irma competes too, and even Fay’s son participated in water skiing at 78.
Here are five tips inspired by Fay’s vibrant life that anyone can adopt:
1. Eat Healthy Foods
Fay opts for nutritious meals like oatmeal with fruits, chicken salad, and generally avoids red meat, alcohol, and cigarettes. Simple choices lead to significant health benefits.
2. Stay Socially Active
Fay doesn’t just focus on fitness; she values community, joining a walking club and hosting an annual watermelon cutting party that has become a town tradition. “She’s the ‘Sweetheart of Oriental,'” Irma proudly states.
3. Embrace New Experiences
Even at her age, Fay seeks adventure. Now living with Irma, she enjoys canoeing and swimming. “We never get bored,” Irma says, emphasizing how they make the most of each day.
4. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Fay has always encouraged positive thinking, sharing insights from the book *The Power of Positive Thinking* by Norman Vincent Peale. This uplifting approach helps her maintain her zest for life, even at 101.
5. Set Personal Goals
For Fay, participating in competitions is about motivation, not just winning. “You need something to look forward to,” she asserts. This goal-oriented mindset pushes her to stay active and engaged.
Statistics back up the importance of staying active in older age. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, older adults who participate in regular physical activity have better overall health and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Fay’s lifestyle offers valuable lessons for all ages. Her story is a reminder that with the right mindset and choices, age is just a number, and every day can be filled with purpose.
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longevity, athletics Olympics, grandmothers
