We often talk about exercise for older adults on here because we know how much an active lifestyle can help people feel healthy and strong. If you need evidence, let us introduce you to Julie Hawkins, the 105-year-old woman who broke the 100-meter record for women over-105.
Julie Hawkins, nicknamed the 'Hurricane', ran the 100-meter race last Sunday in a time of 1:02:95. The retired teacher must take good care of her overall health to enter a race like this never mind break the record for it - taking things like the best vitamins for women over 50 can help to promote good health like this of Hawkins.
The 105-year-old runner achieved her 100-meter victory at the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games (LSG) having only taken up running five years ago when she turned 100.
Hawkins has previously won gold medals in cycling trials at the National Senior Games but had to give this up when she no longer had people to compete against in her age bracket.
Since then her bike has taken a back seat and she has been lacing up her running trainers as she now switches her focus to the track (see our recommendations of the best running shoes for women).
The National Senior Games Association reported Hawkins's response to the media after the record-breaking experience. “It was wonderful to see so many family members and friends. But I wanted to do it in less than a minute,” said the 105-year-old.
Despite wanting to have broken the record by more she remains positive and a motivation to others.
Watch Julia Hawkins record breaking run and follow-up interview:
Hawkins also told The National Senior Games Association, “I love to run, and I love being an inspiration to others,” adding that, “I want to keep running as long as I can. My message to others is that you have to stay active if you want to be healthy and happy as you age.”
A study carried out at Stanford University Medical Center revealed that running as an older adult can limit age-related disabilities and slow down the process of aging.
While Hawkins is very goal-driven with her running she does train in moderation and is mindful to look after her body.
She told USA Today that her age does limit how often she can run 100 meters but the 105-year-old keeps fit with gardening and aims to walk or jog about a mile a day. Occasionally adding in a 50-meter sprint.
-
Forget the gym—this 30-minute walking workout will help you clock up 6,000 steps and boost your cardiowalking All you need is a bit of floor space to get started
-
A physical therapist says this is the muscle you probably aren’t training but should beRunning If you walk or run, you want to keep this muscle strong
