Centenarian Thrives on Water Aerobics Joy

Quick Smiles:

• Joan Eichner partied at the YMCA pool for her 100th birthday surrounded by friends.
• She swims and chats three times weekly, crediting it for her vitality.
• Her tips include hobbies, fresh foods, community service, and nurturing friendships.

Joan Eichner of Dallas, Texas, marked her 100th birthday with a splashy gathering at the Moody Family YMCA pool, joined by friends who share her love for water aerobics.

She attends classes three times a week, enjoying both exercise and conversations with instructors and fellow swimmers.

“I don’t feel any older,” she says. “I try to keep my life going. I love being alive, and I love all the things I do and see. So it keeps me going.”

Born in Gloucestershire, England, Joan moved across the globe with her Air Force husband, living in places like Japan, Washington D.C., and North Africa.

Thirty years ago, she settled in North Texas to be near her grandchildren and now lives in the same building as daughter Debbie.

Joan stays sharp with daily crosswords and newspaper reading, while embracing hobbies like annual Florida beach trips until recently.

Her diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables from her farm-country roots, with occasional wine and chocolate indulgences.

“I’m supposed to say that I like exercise and eating healthy, but I do like wine and chocolate,” she laughs.

At church Sunday School, she crafts finger puppets and pillows for Dallas Children’s Hospital patients.

“I love to do that. I don’t like to miss projects because when I think of those poor little children going into hospital away from their family, I feel anything we can do to make them feel more comfortable is wonderful,” she says.

Joan frequents the Dallas Arboretum to admire plants and has formed lasting bonds, like with a school pickup acquaintance who now visits regularly.

Embrace activity, connections, and simple joys like Joan’s to fill your days with health and happiness!

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