In honor of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s 85th anniversary, we’re shining the spotlight on some of our fellow Minnesotan 80-somethings who are living life to the fullest. Here’s a collection of some thriving octogenarians showing just how healthy and vibrant life can be at any age.
An actress for many years, Arlene loves to sing, dance and just act silly from time to time. Her health secret? “My genes, of course.” But spend just five minutes with this vibrant soul and you’ll see there’s a whole lot more to Arlene than just that.
For the past 40 years, Forster’s been refereeing for youth soccer. “I enjoy the interaction with the adults, and particularly with the kids.” Probably because he’s still very much a kid at heart.
Betsy’s been camping in our lovely state since the early 90s. “One day I realized I’d been to about 30 state parks, so I decided maybe I should finish all 64.” Well, Betsy’s down to single digits and is on track to accomplish her camping goal this year.
Betsy’s been camping in our lovely state since the early 90s. “One day I realized I’d been to about 30 state parks, so I decided maybe I should finish all 64.” Well, Betsy’s down to single digits and is on track to accomplish her camping goal this year.
Gwen’s been singing in a choir nearly her whole life. “I think of music as a healing agent. Very calming, very soothing.” If you ask us, that’s a pretty great way to describe Gwen, too.
About 20 years ago, Martha’s son-in-law bet her she couldn’t learn to do the splits by her next birthday. She’s been doing the splits ever since. Her son-in-law hasn’t made any bets with her ever since either.
You don’t have to call Paul to the dance floor twice. “That’s where I feel I’m at my youngest.” So if there’s promenading or do-si-do-ing to be done, Paul’s your guy.
As we quickly learned, Ross isn’t just an expert at turning bowls, this salt-of-the-earth gentleman is pretty darn good at turning a smile, too. Surrounded by wood shavings, he tells us his shop “isn’t neat or tidy like they show in the magazines.”
When she’s not out walking through her beautiful neighborhood, Martha’s working hard in her beautiful garden. “I like to get down on my knees in the dirt and get my hands dirty.”
When she’s not out walking through her beautiful neighborhood, Martha’s working hard in her beautiful garden. “I like to get down on my knees in the dirt and get my hands dirty.”
With a will as strong as his muscles, Bob is all about sticking to a routine that works. That’s why you’re sure to find him working out at the YMCA five days a week for at least an hour. After all, muscles don’t make themselves.
Dianne has a real zest for life that keeps her movin’ and groovin’. When she’s not golfing, skiing or volunteering at the Minnesota Zoo, you can pretty much guarantee she’s line dancing. This energetic lady reminds us to let loose.
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