Woman credits swimming with living to 103
By Jamie Weiss
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OVERLAND PARK, Kansas (KMBC) — Seniors at Village Shalom, a continuing care community in Overland Park, Kansas, are encouraged to find a routine or a hobby to give them purpose. For Jean Schultz, that means going swimming three times per week.
Every Friday, you’ll find Jean wheeling down toward the pool, but on this Friday, her trip to the water was more than exercise. It was a celebration of turning 103.
“And a half,” Schultz quipped. “And that’s for fun.”
While it might seem silly to Schultz, the community at Village Shalom finds it inspiring.
“Because after 100, every day, every month matters,” said Simon Abrahms, president of Village Shalom. “So let’s celebrate what we can.”
Jean is mostly blind, deaf and confined to a wheelchair. But to aid in her longevity, she took up swimming at the age of 100. The staff at Village Shalom said her weekly routine in the pool may be what saved her life last year.
“Last year, she got really sick and ended up in the hospital,” said Valeriya Somova, Village Shalom’s wellness coordinator. “We really thought that [we were] going to be losing her. She worked so hard [to] come back and the only thing she was saying was, ‘I just want to get into that water.’ And that’s exactly what happened.”
While Schultz’s half-birthday isn’t until April 11, the celebrations started on April 10.
Surrounded by friends and family, Jean was able to get back to where she belonged — kicking and floating in the water.
“I can’t say it feels like childhood because I really don’t remember how childhood felt, but there’s a sense of freedom and accomplishment,” Schultz said. “I can walk in the water.”
The timing of Schultz’s celebration is also special, lining up with a year of honoring sports and resilience in the KC metro.
“Here we are in the Summer of Champions with the FIFA World Cup and the Maccabi Games here in Kansas City,” Abrahms said. “We don’t want to miss this celebration of Jean being one of our ‘Everyday Champions.’ It’s someone who has a as they move into the latter part of their life. They still have a ver for life. They want every day to be significant. They still have a lot to give. So I think especially after 100, that’s what an everyday champion means.”
Schultz was quick to add, “I’m not a champion. I’m just an old lady who’s here. I’m lucky to be here.”
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