Article Written for Curves
by Mary A.
There is a group of about twenty five older women in and around Nelson who really inspire me. These active and out-doorsey women have been dubbed, “the hiking grannies”, by one member's daughter. The youngest active member is 55 and the oldest is about 75 years young. More than a few of these women belong to our Curves gym.
They hike, camp, and canoe spring to fall, and x-country ski in the winter. Most of these women are retired, though a few still work. Many have nursing backgrounds. Although I'm 25 years younger than their average age, I'm sure all of these women could run circles around me; they are fit and healthy and active.
These women resist organizing; they just enjoy each other and their activities together, but are not exclusive. Many friends and relatives are invited along on the hikes, and a few brave husbands have joined in.
The “grannies” also support one another. Every birthday is celebrated. If a spouse dies, the widow is never left alone on the anniversary of his death. A friend started hiking with this group after her husband died, and she says both the hikes and these new friends were instrumental in her grieving process. Their support and the activity have helped her to heal.
This network is quite involved in some local fundraising too: the Terry Fox Run, the Dragon Boat Club, and is sponsoring a widow with several children (in Mexico ) who needs a kidney transplant.
I have a mental list of things I want to do when I retire or have more time, and this group is definitely added to it. They inspire me!!