Age is just a number

May 5, 2024

Celebrating Inspirational Senior Citizens

As autumn fades into the cool embrace of winter, we find ourselves reflecting on the significance of Workers Day, also known as May Day. It’s a time when we honour the work done to shape our society by so many.

In South Africa and around the world, there are countless senior citizens whose contributions have left an indelible mark on history. From the corridors of power to the stages of the arts, their resilience and passion serve as guiding lights for generations to come. Below are a few inspirational stories for senior citizens about 5 people who will inspire you to get active and accomplish your goals in retirement!

Leonid Hurwicz

As the oldest Nobel Laureate Prize winner in 2007, Leonid Hurwicz’s pioneering work in the field of economics laid the foundation for mechanism design theory. His groundbreaking contributions to game theory and economics continue to influence scholars and policymakers worldwide. He was 90 years old when he accepted the accolade.

John Glenn

On October 29, 1998, John Glenn became the oldest person to travel to outer space. He was aboard the space shuttle orbiter Discovery for a research mission, and he participated in a series of tests on the aging process. This wasn’t John’s first time in outer space, as he is also remembered as being the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. John found his passion early on in life and worked on it continuously, staying a vocal supporter of the space program even after his retirement.

Dorothy Davenhill Hirsch

Records were shattered and Dorothy made headlines around the world in 2019 by journeying to the North Pole at the remarkable age of 89. Her adventurous spirit and determination serve as an inspiration to people of all ages. Dorothy’s expedition not only showcased her resilience but also challenged stereotypes about what older individuals can achieve.

J.R.R. Tolkien

Widely read author J.R.R. Tolkien captivated the world with his imaginative works, including “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Remarkably, Tolkien was in his 60s when he published these iconic novels, proving that age is no barrier to creativity and success.

Jane Goodall

Renowned primatologist and conservationist, Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking work with chimpanzees revolutionized our understanding of animal behaviour and the environment. Jane continues is actively involved in environmental and animal welfare activism despite being well into her nineties!

At Settlers Park Retirement Village, we cherish the wealth of wisdom and experience that our residents bring, reminding us that age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference.

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Golden glow at 209

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