Gail Jonas pictured in the PressDemocrat.com
Twenty-six miles is a tremendous distance even for the most fit individual.
So Gail Jonas, a longtime Healdsburg resident, deserves a round of applause for going the distance at 70 years old.
On Aug. 1, Jonas ran a marathon as part of the Vineman Ironman Relay, which she completed with her son (who cycled 112 miles) and grandson (who swam 2.4 miles).
Jonas — an activist, attorney and mediator — was the oldest Vineman Relay participant in this year’s race. She finished the marathon course in seven hours.
“What amazed me was all the support from the spectators,” Jonas told the Press Democrat. “…The cheers and accolades I received were simply stunning. Their enthusiasm sustained me.”
The intergenerational and familial team joined Jonas for the last leg of the race, and together, they crossed the finish line. They serve as a terrific model for the kind of scaffolding and encouragement family can provide to its elders.
Gail Jonas (center) with her son (left) and grandson just before the Vineman Relay began.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as Jonas. Many seniors and older adults live far away from their family, or if they live close by, might see their children and grandchildren once or twice a week, which leaves a lot of time to feel lonely or isolated.
Everyone — no matter their age — needs both intellectual stimulation and physical fitness. (Maybe a marathon is unrealistic for many 70+ seniors, but a walk around the block or a chair yoga class is just as beneficial.)
Engage As You Age can provide seniors in the Bay Area with the kind of intellectual and social stimulation that all people need to feel connected and happy. Whether you’re training for a race or need a home caregiver or homecare to help you get from point A to B, our services provide the kind of interaction that helps people feel fulfilled as they age.
