In Part I of this blog (which you can find here) we discussed how, in many ways, age is just an
attitude. There’s no reason why each and every one of us shouldn’t always strive to do our very best in things both big and small. As is so often said: We can’t know what’s possible until we try!
That’s why, at Southgate at Shrewsbury retirement community, we offer a host of amenities, events and activities that allow residents to explore new possibilities and—in the process— discover new personal capabilities.
Let’s continue now with our look at the amazing accomplishments of noted individuals who simply refused to let advancing years slow them down.
Strikes, Spares and Everything in Between
To roll one perfect game in bowling—that’s 300, by the way—is an accomplishment most players only dream of.
But to roll two?!
That’s exactly what happened on December 7, 2010, when Floridian Arthur Ulmer rolled the second perfect game of his career. His age? A mere 89 years, six months and eleven days. Doing so at that point in his life gave Mr. Ulmer the distinction of attaining the United States Bowling Congress’ record for oldest person to roll a 300 game.
Here at Southgate at Shrewsbury, our residents have access to a state-of-the-art four-lane candlepin alley. They find bowling a great way to exercise, socialize and set their own personal records. (And don’t worry: Nobody around here keeps track of gutter balls.)
Calling all 21st-Century Shakespeares
With the “Little House on the Prairie” children’s book series as her writing legacy, you’d not be alone in imaging that Laura Ingalls Wilder was a lifelong author. In fact, however, her first work—“Little House in the Big Woods”—wasn’t published until she was 65. (Her final book in the series came out when she was 76.)
While not everyone has the talent to write professionally, many of us love the magic and wonder of words. That’s why Southgate at Shrewsbury keeps a well-stocked library for all our residents. With an enchanting fireplace, it’s a great hideaway to read some classics … or perhaps to stimulate ideas for writing “the Great American Novel.”
Red Ball, Side Pocket …
If Mike Lebron challenges you to a high-stakes game of billiards, you may just want to pass. That’s because Mr. Lebron is a professional pool player who in 1988—at the age of 54— became the oldest player to win the US Open Nine-Ball Championship.
Likewise, should Doyle Brunson happen to join your card game, you may want to fold. Why? Because Mr. Brunson is an American Poker player who played professionally until his retirement in 2018 at 84 years of age.
Residents work on perfecting their own pool- and card-playing techniques in Southgate at Shrewsbury’s comfortable game room. In addition to a pool and ping-pong table, it’s equipped with ample space for card playing of every variety.
After all, who doesn’t love a rousing game of “Go Fish”?