In 1988, Katherine Freund's 3-year-old son was run over by an 84-year-old driver who thought he'd hit a dog. The aftermath of the incident included her son's full recovery and the realization that seniors needed more transportation options when age-related changes meant driving wasn't safe for them anymore. She founded ITNAmerica in 1995 — an organization that helps seniors retain their mobility when they can no longer drive. Now 75 and old enough to benefit from it herself, Katherine's nonprofit provides community-based transportation for older adults to help them stay independent in their golden years.
Recently awarded the title of Senior Australian of the Year of 2025, Brother Thomas Oliver Pickett continues helping children in underdeveloped countries in his golden years. The organization he co-founded — Wheelchairs for Kids — has built over 60,000 custom wheelchairs for disabled children and helped provide occupational therapy for those in need. Heading up a staff of 250 volunteers, his organization continues to send aid to kids in countries like Malawi and Syria. In addition to wheelchairs, a staff of 550 volunteers also creates soft toys and covers, which they include with every wheelchair they send to a disabled child in need.
In 2010 and 2011, Ernestine Shepherd earned her place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest competitive bodybuilder. She no longer competes as of 2025, but she still works out at the grand old age of 88 and shares her journey with others on social media. Once a model, Shepherd decided to get herself back in shape after a bathing suit shopping trip with her sister, Velvet. They joined a gym together, but Velvet died of a brain aneurysm soon after. After mourning her sister, Ernestine decided Velvet would've wanted her to continue without her, so she got back in the gym, earning major kudos along the way.
In 2018, at the age of 85, Hiromu Inada became the oldest man to compete in an Ironman World Championship, earning himself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. He then broke his own record in 2024 — at 91 years old! Hiromu got into swimming after retiring in his early 60s out of a desire to lose some weight. After that, he continued his daily routine to build muscle and strengthen his bones. This Ironman continues to inspire young and old alike with his dedication to fitness.
Born in 1935, community activist Nan Bosler spent over 50 years of her life with Girl Guides Australia (GGA), an organization similar to and affiliated with the Girl Scouts in the United States. She loved learning, but many of the new technologies she found going back to college in the early '90s were challenging for seniors. With that in mind, she founded the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) in 1997. This organization empowers seniors to embrace technology and fosters digital literacy to bridge generational gaps in learning. Her lifelong love of learning and work to make education more adaptable for everyone make Nan an inspiring addition to this list.
More than just the man who brought you on-demand movies at home, Reed Hastings uses the fortune he's made for good. The 65-year-old founder and CEO of Netflix recently created the Silicon Valley Community Foundation — an education-focused fund that aims to get underprivileged kids into the colleges they deserve. However, this isn't Hastings' first foray into education. He's also advocated strongly for education reform, including promoting charter schools and online learning, serving on California's Board of Education for a time and supporting online resources, such as Khan Academy and Rocketship Education.
These people and stories showcase myriad ways seniors continue to lead vibrant, impactful lives well into their golden years. For those considering joining an assisted living community like Bethesda Gardens Monument in Monument, CO, these examples demonstrate how mature individuals with ample support can still pursue their passions, stay active and remain connected with the world around them. Embracing the next chapter of your life with enthusiasm can lead to new adventures and continued personal growth.
