1705563803
Do you feel as young/old as you are?
José: “I feel much younger! About twenty years younger, especially compared to 31 years ago. I was in a serious car accident and the rehabilitation after that was very difficult. I felt even older then than I do now. I do a lot of exercise now and take good care of myself.”
Sarine: “I definitely feel younger too! That’s because I have a lot of energy. Especially when I compare myself to most men and women my age. We don’t call ourselves fit grandmas for nothing! We try to show other older people that you can still get the best out of life. As long as you want it, of course.”
What keeps you young?
José: “These are my five grandchildren. I babysit several times a week and also do a lot of exercise. I enjoy going on long bike rides on a “normal” bike, I did abseiling once and recently swam in ice-cold water. I also attach great importance to personal development by reading lots of books and training my brain with mental fitness. After the accident, I began to look at life completely differently. I think it’s important to be open to challenges and push my boundaries.”
Sarine: “I regularly babysit my five-year-old grandson and find that I can do it without any problems. We are very active together and because I have great conversations with him, I sometimes forget that I am generations older. I think it has to do with my mindset; While others may already be thinking about retirement, I still want to get the most out of life. This is because I lost my only brother at a young age. This made me realize how precious life is. He was only 44 years old when he died of cancer.”
Do you have a beauty secret?
José: “A good hairdresser is very important to me. When my hair looks good, I feel my best. Also, eat healthy because you are what you eat. I use the 80/20 rule because it has to be fun.”
Sarine: “It’s actually a lot of laughter. You can put all sorts of things on your face, but if it just makes you look grumpy, it won’t make you more beautiful. Also, take good care of yourself, both inside and out. I like to dress nicely because it makes me feel much better. You radiate it immediately when you try a little harder.”
What do you like most about yourself?
José: “These are my nails. I paint them myself and when they look neat, I feel good.”
What are you less happy with?
José: “These are my varicose veins, especially on my left leg. For me, these have nothing to do with my age; I inherited them from my father. I have been receiving treatment for this for 34 years.”
Sarine: “My size. I’m only 1.62 m tall. I always say ‘small but brave’, but sometimes there are disadvantages.”
What do people compliment you on?
José: “That the glass is always half full for me. I am enthusiastic, energetic and mostly look at the positive things. When it rains, I see it as a beautiful rainy day and not a gloomy one. For me the day is no less beautiful.”
Sarine: “Especially with my enthusiasm, energy and genuine interest in others. I’ve heard that since I was young. For me, it comes from within.”
Are you where you wanted to be?
José: “I definitely am. I am proud of our family and where I live. In terms of health, if I compare it to 30 years ago, I am really a fit grandma. I want to be a role model for others on how to deal with age and setbacks in life. This works very well for me with our Fitgrannies concept. In 2018 we both became grandmothers for the first time. While some associate the term “grandma” with getting older, they see it as an honorary title! After all, you can become a grandmother at a young age or continue as a fitness trainer later.”
Sarine: “I’m very proud and grateful for where I am now, but luckily I’m not there yet. I still want to do all kinds of things, experience things and help people. I want to inspire others my age to explore all possibilities and help them become more mentally resilient. In Daphne Deckers’ column, she says of the term “Fitgrannies”: “Taking back something that should be mean and turning it around is always a good way to deal with negativity.” We don’t feel old, so it doesn’t affect us , when people say that.”
Do you have a life lesson?
José: “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else and trust yourself.” This is a saying that I really like now, but it took me years to discover it. An accident like this makes you look at yourself and life completely differently. You get back on your feet and do it yourself.”
Sarine: “Above all, look at what you have. Young people in particular concentrate very much on the material and what they are “missing”. I would say: Be grateful, because more is not always better.”
More WOMAN
Don’t want to miss anything from VROUW? We send out an email every day with all of our daily highlights, especially for our most loyal readers. Subscribe here. You can also follow us closely on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
#smile #lot #teeth #neat #Woman