February 01, 2012

Still Making Great Strides at 80

Twice-daily walks total more than 2,500 miles in 2011

Hastings Lake YMCA Member Services Housekeeping Staff Member Ora Abrams acknowledges that it can be hard to start and stick to a fitness routine. The 80-year-old admits that she returned to part-time work because she became bored and needed excitement after retiring from a 20-year career as a quality control inspector at Baxter Labs.

Abrams had always enjoyed walking, from her days as a girl in rural Kentucky when she walked five miles to school each day. Being at the Y everyday rekindled that memory and recognizing the importance of keeping both her mind and body active in retirement, Abrams went back to her roots and began daily walks at Lehman Park near her home in Lake Villa.

This routine has now become a priority that Abrams integrates into her life by scheduling five-mile walks before and after her 2-1/2 hour weekday shifts at the Y. Ora often dresses in “Y-wear” on her walks and people stop to ask her how they can get more physically active.

To keep herself motivated, Abrams keeps a log and proudly shares her achievements. Those twice-daily strolls added up to 1,783 miles in 2008 and 2,561 miles last year! Until recently, Abrams also biked 10 miles three times a week.

“Sometimes I will see a member who’s feeling discouraged and I tell them – ‘Just do it! If I can, you can.’ I like talking to people and encouraging them to be a part of the Y community,” said Abrams, who notes that her walks provide the added benefit of an opportunity for quiet reflection. “I look at the flowers and trees and appreciate nature as I walk.”

Abrams has worked part-time at Hastings Lake YMCA since 2002. Hastings Lake YMCA Interim Executive Director Erika Woods notes, “Ora’s hospitality plays a key role in welcoming and encouraging our members and our staff, many of whom are aware of and admire her commitment to fitness. She is a powerful role model, particularly for older adults, of how making a commitment to daily physical activity really contributes to both your physical health and your mental outlook.”

Ora’s story was recently featured in the Lake County Journal, read the story here.