Let’s Chat: Age is just a number

By Linda Tooth on June 18, 2025.

Do you let age define you and what activities you think you can do? Let me tell you about the most extraordinary woman I met this past weekend and her journey on a 3 km race.

The 41st annual River Run was hosted by the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta. This race in support of the Y Connect Campaign (formerly Strong Kids) offers individuals the opportunity to take part in a 3, 5, 10, or 21.5 km race starting at the YMCA location in downtown Medicine Hat.

Just over 300 people of various ages, including members of the Air Force from France, registered for this event and with the sun shining and clear skies, the day was destined to be perfect – and it was.

What made it even more perfect was meeting Helen. This incredible woman who at 98 years of age, yes you read that correctly, not only registered to walk the 3 km course but showed up with family members who all walked and completed the course with her.

The YMCA of Southeastern Alberta was aware of Helen’s willingness to take part in this event and made every effort to welcome her and acknowledge her participation.

It made sense to let everyone know this person was among them. When the medal ceremony was taking place, I went to get Helen and walked with her to the platform so she could receive her participation medal.

As we were walking the short distance, she told me she was blind. I was overcome with emotion. Here was a woman who did not make a fuss about her age but was more concerned with the fact that she was blind and could not make out the faces of people she was meeting.

So, I ask the question again. Do you let age define who you are? We as a society are so rooted in our thoughts of what age should look like that, we forget our best teachers are those who have lived a full life and are still active at 98.

When was the last time you had a conversation with someone in their 70s, 80s, 90s, or even beyond100?

What was my takeaway from this past weekend? To live my life to the best of my abilities and to not let my age define who I am.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

13
-12