102 years of fun

HAYDEN — Having just celebrated her 102nd birthday, Betty Reed sets a clear example of her secret to longevity: keep moving. 

At the Fit and Fall Proof class Friday morning at the Hayden Senior Center, she was surprised when new friends gave her a butterfly blanket to keep her warm when she’s resting. 

Reed does the treadmill every day and works on maintaining her balance. Her mobility at age 102 never ceases to impress her peers in the class, who want to follow in her footsteps. 

“She’s such an inspiration to us. She’s always happy,” Nan Milui said.  

Following along with the class, Reed took the occasional break, but a big smile could often be seen on her face after she completed an exercise. 

“This is fun, I can’t do it all, but I keep trying,” Reed said.   

She was congratulated throughout the exercise portion of the class as friends told her they were so excited to see her reach the exciting milestone. 

With some help from her daughter, Cindy Oberholtzer, Reed used a stretch band or small exercise balls.

Oberholtzer said it’s been wonderful to see the group welcome her mom in with such enthusiasm. 

“The nicest women are in this group, men too,” Oberholtzer said.  

Oberholtzer said that longevity runs in the family and that Reed had an aunt who lived to be 105 years old. 

“I think she’s going to be around a long time,” Oberholtzer said. 

Betty Reed, 102, and her daughter, Cindy Oberholtzer, stretch out elastic bands as part of a Fit and Fall Proof class Friday at the Hayden Senior Center.

Betty Reed, 1012, and Cindy Oberholtzer work their wrists and arms to increase mobility using small exercise balls. Members of the Hayden Senior Center surprised Reed on Friday with the gift of a butterfly blanket to keep her warm and cozy.