Older Americans Month may be over but we can't contain our extraordinary Villagers to just one month! So many members and volunteers are Flipping the Script on aging, that we will continue to share their stories. Each of them are breaking the stereotypes of aging by demonstrating their contributions to their communities, staying active and engaged, and embracing opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with getting older.

Rowing with Heart - Sculling at 74
By Betsy Mead

The alarm goes off at 4:05 a.m. I groggily climb out of bed, groaning—so early! I dress quickly in the dark, head downstairs, check the weather, and look for messages from my coach. The forecast says calm winds and no rain this morning. After making sure I have everything I need, I kiss my dog goodbye, promising to return soon. I climb into my car and begin the quiet drive through Rock Creek Park to Alexandria, VA—a place I once called home. The park can feel eerie at this hour, but I also find it peaceful. Sometimes I spot a bunny scurrying across the road or catch a glimpse of a red-tailed fox. I treasure the quiet. But that calm is short-lived as I approach the Dee Campbell Rowing Center, where I row. The boathouse is home to both Alexandria City High School rowers and Alexandria Community Rowing, of which I am a proud member.

The boathouse is bustling! High school rowers are training for Stotesbury, the world's largest high school regatta. Sweep rowers are launching their large boats, competitive scullers are preparing singles and doubles, and our group—club sculling—is gathering for our coach's seating assignments. Sculling, whether competitive or not, demands physical endurance, strength, mental focus, precise technique, and balance. Our non-competitive group typically rows 5 to 6 miles three times a week, focusing on skills and drills assigned by our coach.

What makes our group unique? While we have members of all ages, about half are "older" men and women, ranging in age from 68 to 86! Many of us were first introduced to rowing through our children's high school teams. We got "bitten" by the rowing bug and have been hooked ever since. Over the years, many of us have competed and even won medals. While we're done with racing, our passion for rowing remains.

So why do we row? Physically, it offers countless benefits—improved cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, calorie burn, and stress relief. It's also a low-impact activity, gentle on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Socially, we form lifelong friendships. Mentally, we're immersed in nature: breathtaking sunrises, rainbows, nesting ospreys, duck families, and more.

We may not row as fast as we once did, but we row with heart—and we love every minute of it. I never imagined I'd still be sculling at 74!