Growing Bolder’s Post

U B U. We are all different but we all have the same basic desire to be happy. Growing Bolder is committed to smashing aging stereotypes while supporting and inspiring everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health status, economic status, or any other diverse background. That's why we fall in love with organizations like Senior Friendship Centers. SFC is building communities inside its community. It's wrapping its arms around everyone helping all find and experience joy. #aging #lgbtqpride

It’s well documented that when young children are told that they’re slow learners, or don’t have the capacity to understand something, they quickly internalize that belief until it becomes reality — or until a caring parent or teacher intervenes and helps them learn otherwise. The same thing happens with older people, but it’s potentially more debilitating because our entire culture is telling us many things that we're incapable of doing, learning, or becoming. And there are no caring parents or teachers who intervene to convince us that we're capable of doing more than our culture has decided is reasonable and appropriate. There is only the example of others which is why Growing Bolder seeks out those who are ignoring the ever-present ageist messaging and writing their own script for what’s possible. I just interviewed the inspiring Ginny MacColl for an upcoming episode of Growing Bolder and What's Next. Ginny is 72 and in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest female Ninja competitor. She's also the oldest person to complete an obstacle in the American Ninja Warrior competition. What makes her a Growing Bolder story is that she never lifted weights, played sports, or even entered a gym until the age of 63 and only then after being diagnosed with Osteopenia. It took her a year to do a single pull-up. Today, she does 17. We ran into Ginny at the National Senior Games where she competed in swimming, She's also become a stunt woman and actress who appeared as a cheerleader with Diane Keaton in the film POMS. Our interview and video with Ginny about her later in life transformation is coming soon on our new FREE streaming Growing Bolder channel. National Senior Games Association #NationalSeniorGamesWeek Photo: Instagram @GinnyMacColl.