7 inspirational older people

Whether you’ve just taken up a new hobby or tried getting into an old one, everyone comes to a point where they start to feel as though they might need a helping hand.

With the most incredible technology now implemented in today’s contemporary stairlifts and mobility aids there is no excuse to let reduced mobility stop you fulfilling your dreams, whether that be writing a novel or completing a marathon. Here we have 7 truly inspirational older figures who have a real zest for life that will give you drive and fitness motivation like no one else could.

Fauja Singh

You may recognise the name Fauja Singh, and for good reason. At 103, he is the world’s oldest marathon runner and has smashed Guinness World records for his age bracket. His personal best stands at six hours and two minutes for the London Marathon, an impressive feat for any age. Born in 1911, Singh only took up running seriously at 89 years of age having moved to England from India in the 1990s and entering his first race, the London Marathon, in 2000.

Jiro Ono

For those who are more apt with an apron than running shoes, let 89-year-old master sushi chef Jiro Ono inspire you. Proprietor of the famed three Michelin star Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant, who has seen clientele the likes of Katy Perry and Barack Obama, Ono is regarded as one of the best sushi chefs in the world, regardless of age. His documentary ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ has caused a media stir having been released in 2011.

"@katyperry: Katy dreams of Jiro http://t.co/4BGJLH0i" SO COOL! @KatyPerry visited Jiro Ono's restaurant from our film #JiroDreamsofSushi!!

— Magnolia Pictures (@MagnoliaPics) September 26, 2012

Lillian Weber, from Iowa

Want more of a heart-warming story, or looking for a hobby you can take up from the comfort of your electric rise and recliner chair? Then let Lillian Weber from Iowa inspire you with her life’s mission- to help those in need. At 99-years-old Lillian spends her days making clothing for a child in need with the goal of making 1,000 items of clothing by her hundredth birthday.

Maurice and Helen Kaye

Maurice and Helen Kaye, may not have completed a marathon, nor have they been awarded a Michelin star, but their story is nonetheless an inspiration to us all. Having met in 1929, they have been happily married for 80 years and act as a real example of true, lasting love. Read more about their story in this article.

Olive Riley

Still hoping to start your writing career or produce the next bestseller? Olive Riley, a 108-year-old from Australia was recognised as the world’s oldest blogger. Sadly, Olive died in 2008, but having started her blog, ‘The Life of Riley’ in 2007 she had posted over 70 separate entries and had numerous readers.

Sonny Bryant Jr.

If you needed more fitness motivation from the older athletes then Sonny Bryant is a true inspiration. At 70 years old he is one of the world’s oldest professional bodybuilders and having taken up the hobby when he was 44, he has no plans of stopping yet, saying in this video, “I love to work. I love to work out.”

The Great Omani

Finally, perhaps one of the most unusual entries in our list of inspirational older people is that of The Great Omani or as he was known to his family, Ronald Cunningham. Having passed in 2007 at the age of 92, The Great Omani is considered to have been one of the world’s oldest recorded escapologists and stuntmen. Born in Windsor he entertained Britons from 1950 until he performed his last stunt in 2005.

Image Credit: Nicolas Alejandro (flickr.com)