93-Year-Old Helena Haynes Inspires Seniors with Daily Runs

A remarkable 93-year-old woman, Helena Haynes, is proving that age is just a number as she continues to run daily, inspiring fellow seniors in Nanaimo, Canada. Helena hopes her dedication to fitness will encourage others in her community to embrace an active lifestyle and engage in friendly competition.

A Lifelong Passion for Running

Reflecting on her childhood, Helena recalls a black and white photograph from her youth where she proudly occupies the front row. “I’m in front,” she smiles, a fitting representation of her competitive spirit. From an early age, Helena was always running or jumping, a passion that has remained with her throughout her life. “I just come down here,” she remarks, pointing to the stairs in her four-storey building. Despite having an elevator, Helena opts for the stairs, showcasing her commitment to staying active.

Every day, regardless of the weather, Helena runs around her independent living community’s five-acre property. “I’ve done it for so many years, it’s automatic,” she says, showing no signs of slowing down. Her journey with running began during her childhood in the Netherlands during World War II. As a young girl, she sprinted to school, hoping to avoid encounters with occupying Nazi soldiers. “It was horrible,” she recalls, sharing the traumatic experiences of her youth, including the loss of neighbors to violence and the narrow escape of her baby brother from a grenade.

Championing Kindness Through Sports

In the face of adversity, Helena found solace and purpose in athletics. When chosen to select teams for sports, she made it her mission to pick the children who were often overlooked. “Oh! They were so excited!” she reminisces. Helena’s efforts not only uplifted her peers but also led to their improvement, as they became increasingly skilled and sought after by other teams. “It’s best to do as good as you can,” she advises, adding that her goal has always been to help others excel.

Recently, Helena participated in the 55-plus games, where she earned multiple medals, including four golds. Her achievements are not merely personal milestones; Helena hopes they will inspire other seniors, particularly those in their 90s, to join her in running. “It would be nice if you had other people doing it also,” she laughs, envisioning a community of active seniors engaging in friendly competition. “And then you could beat them all!”

Helena Haynes exemplifies resilience and determination, reminding everyone that pursuing passions is ageless. Her story serves as a powerful motivation for seniors everywhere, encouraging them to embrace physical activity and foster camaraderie within their communities.