“Magnificent Achievers” program panelists from left are Mary Harris, 104; Hal Moorman, 100; Jean Dolan, 100; and Mozelle Payne, 94.Sharing a combined life experience of 399 years, four centenarians living at Alexian Village passed on some of their wisdom during the “Magnificent Achievers” program held recently at the Alexian Town Hall.
From the 11 centenarians currently residing at Alexian, a panel was selected comprising Mary Harris, 104; Hal Moorman, 100; Jean Dolan, 100; and Mozelle Payne, 94.
Members of the group talked about their unique accomplishments, such as Payne being recognized as one of the five most fit seniors in the U.S.
Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 30s, Payne eventually lost her ability to walk. She had an unsuccessful surgery in which the spinal fusion she received did not take, and her doctor told her there was only a 50 percent chance she would walk again.
So, at the age of 65, she learned to swim.
“They told me the only way I would be able to exercise was in water,” said Payne, as water supports 80 percent of a person’s body weight.
For two years she walked in the pool at the Y on Eighth Street in downtown Chattanooga before she was able to walk on the ground. And once she was able, she would walk all the time, typically 3 miles a day. Then she would teach arthritis aerobics, which she continued to do for the next 23 years.
She entered a national fitness contest for seniors sponsored by Nabisco at age 78, beating out 2,000 other entrants for the honor.
Others discussed feats they played a role in accomplishing that Signal Mountain residents continue to enjoy, such as Dolan’s participation in the establishment of the Signal Mountain Library.
The Signal Mountain Town Council recently honored Dolan by naming Nov. 12 Jean Dolan Day.
Her trailblazing attitude concerning women and the outdoors was also a talking point. Her father did not invite her on the camping trips he and her brother took, in the belief that girls did not belong in such a setting, so she joined the Girl Scouts at age 10.
She held her recent 100th birthday celebration on the trails at Reflection Riding.
“I realize I can never go to Signal Point again and look down at the river, but I’m glad I went when I could,” she said.
Several shared words of wisdom they have learned over their many years of life.
“Being associated with good people makes life easier than anything else,” said Moorman.
Dolan told attendees that following her teachers’ demands to behave and her mother’s advice to eat her vegetables has allowed her to get to this point in life.
“Get a positive attitude. Never see the glass as half empty, but always as half full,” advised Payne.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.