People are living longer than ever before, and more older adults than ever are reimagining their next chapter of life. Together, legendary tennis champion Billie Jean King and Atria Senior Living residents are harnessing their wisdom and fervor for pursuing passions and goals to be bold in authoring the next chapter of their life story – regardless of age.
American sports icon, humanitarian and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Billie Jean King recounts in her recent book, All In, the many hurdles she has overcome in writing her own life story. “There’s no greater satisfaction and joy than boldly being yourself or redefining a life chapter – at any age,” King said. “I am inspired by the thousands of older adults who champion their own life story.”
Atria residents writing their next chapter
Billie Jean King recently sat down with three Atria residents to talk about their inspiring life stories, their hopes for what’s next in life and their shared wisdom.
For 94-year-old Sarah, she reflects most on staying true to herself and her chapter of supporting her family as an artist and sculptor. It’s a theme that King connected with as the women’s movement was the cultural moment for many highlights of her long career. Both Billie Jean and Sarah, who is a resident at Atria on Roslyn Harbor, continue their passions by picking up a tennis racket and a paint brush, respectively, every week.
In Queens, New York, Ira failed music class as a student. But today at 77 years old, he leads the Music & Memories program at Atria Forest Hills. His adventurous spirit means artists along the likes of Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and Louis Armstrong are featured in each of his classes.
At Atria Tanglewood, Nanci most enjoys discovering what each day will bring. In retirement, she learned to paint, founded a short story writing group with her neighbors, serves as Resident Council President and volunteers often with elementary school students, who she considers her grandchildren.
Inspiring others to rewrite their lives
“We believe people belong together. It is awe-inspiring how the older adults who call Atria home are rewriting what it means to pursue passions, regardless of age or the perception of age,” said Justin Guest, Vice President of Resident Engagement at Atria Senior Living. “We applaud their boldness, celebrate their accomplishments and encourage others to bravely author their life chapter – at whatever age.”
