While Annie Coetzee is unable to turn back the hands of time, she is determined to reverse aging and slow down the clock. Pulsing with the energy of someone far younger, she shares her fresh new views on growing old.
It’s only after almost three decades of studying and teaching English, music and educational psychology, and taking on a position as a researcher in human development, that Annie Coetzee’s life purpose became clear. To help others reach their full potential.
But little did she know this calling would be further shaped by a deeply distressing life experience.
“My wake-up call was when my parents’ best friends – a couple in their early 80’s – committed suicide. They left letters, saying they didn’t want to be a burden to their children or the community and so they decided to ‘do it the easy way’.
There were sentences like … ‘We are so wasted. I often have such good advice to give, but nobody asks me for it. Our lives are meaningless – it is no good to try and stay alive’.”
After her initial shock, Annie began research on getting older. While she was working as a full-time speaker, trainer and facilitator on peak performance in the corporate world at the time, Annie used every second of her spare time to read about the aging brain and body.
As she delved deeper into understanding healthy aging, her curiosity took her to Europe and America, where she learned more than she could have ever imagined.
“I found that with the right stimulation, the elderly are more likely to die well … in the sense that they are happy and fulfilled.”
It wasn’t long before Annie realised that people over 60, 70 and even 90 still have a lot to offer society. And so she made it her life’s mission to encourage the elderly to live their life fully – and with great joy – till the end.
While doing her fair share of research and courses in neurolinguistic programming, neuro coaching and brain plasticity, and neuro-anatomy, Annie visited a lot of local retirement villages to talk about happy and healthy aging.
“The talks evolved into focus groups around the country. For two decades now I’ve been assessing my findings with these groups. This journey eventually resulted in my 12th personal development book – Super Seniors: ‘n Geskenk vir die Samelewing.
“A super senior is a person who is physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually well. Many don’t experience this due to accidents, especially falling, and once the body experiences this shock, it might change all the other aspects of wellness. A super senior though, will not be fearful of the fall and won’t lose faith in their body’s ability to heal. And that’s what makes them different.”
She also trains interested instructors to become trainers of a well-structured three-month course on aging young, happy and healthy. The course, endorsed by experts on mental and emotional wellness, consists of daily practices that keeps the body and all its organs young and fully functional.
While others her age are slowing down, Annie is only warming up! Apart from becoming a polished motivational speaker and life coach in her 70s, she also qualified as a pilates instructor – proof that you are only as old as you feel.
Her secret? Well, she has a few! We chat with Annie to find out how we can welcome the new era of aging.
The biggest misconception about aging?
Getting older does not mean being weaker and less intelligent. It does not mean losing your dignity and confidence. I have proof of people in their 80s, who are still walking, and doing other activities they love. It all depends on what they know and what they believe. I have discovered that the belief system of a person is like a predictor of what they will be doing when they reach 80 or 90.
What beliefs do you live by?
I believe that all will be well with me and that my body is as healthy as my soul is. My belief system is my weapon against all that is negative in life.
Some of the challenges when it comes to growing older?
Influences of friends, society and the media can leave a negative impact. And then … Are they willing to stay open-minded to newer scientific findings about aging? Are they willing to not get stuck in the stereotypes about older people? There is such a thing as the power of suggestion. I always ask people: ‘Who said what to you, and why do you believe it?’
Is it ever too late to start being healthy?
I have worked with some of our seniors who started their journey of ageing well and happy, at the age of 70-plus, who are now 90 years old, and are still cheery and healthy. It’s all about the upkeep of the body and good habits. However, it’s not wise to make older persons do something (especially physically) when you know they’ve lost interest in a healthy ageing journey. They must be willing to choose the lifestyle.
Why are you only as old as you feel?
When you feel good, it has a complete rejuvenating effect on the body. I found that people have no idea how powerful feelings are and that they are 1 000 times stronger than thoughts.
Why is intellectual stimulation so important for older people?
When a person keeps doing brain exercises, the single brain cell will remain strong and flexible to keep making connections with other brain cells and carry messages to all the body organs and cells. Older brains can look exactly as strong and healthy as younger brains if the person has not stopped doing brain building. People can live past 90 and still have exceptionally healthy brains.
What’s your best piece of advice for healthy aging?
Never stop moving! Stretching and walking are the most important. Muscles, joints and bones must not get the chance to freeze. In short, movement is the best lubricant.
If you can give one message to older persons, what would it be?
Know your body and all its messages. When you notice a niggle or pain in your knee, hip or other body part, don’t force an exercise that will make it worse. Speak to an expert on aging – someone who has a healthy, positive outlook on life and growing older too – and follow their advice. Choose your doctor well!
You’ll find Super Seniors: ‘n Geskenk vir die Samelewing on groep7-selfpublish-books.co.za for around R260.
Details: Visit anniecoetzee.co.za
Three stretches to do every day:
- Balance exercise. Place your hands on the back of a chair. Shift your weight onto your right foot. Slowly lift your left leg up in front of you in tabletop position. Hold this position for five seconds. Return to the starting position. Do 10 repetitions. Then, do the opposite side.
- Spine Stretch. Sitting upright on a mat. Legs straight and shoulder width apart, feet bending toward you, toes toward ceiling, arms reaching forward parallel to mat, palms facing each other. Inhale (no movement) and exhale while you roll down and forward through your spine. Pause. Exhale and re-stack your spine to the starting position.
- Deep breathing while doing a full body stretch. Stand up straight. Lift your arms high up toward the ceiling, while taking long, slow and deep breaths. Keep the arms up. Hold the air in your lungs for seven counts, and slowly breathe out while dropping your arms to your sides again. Repeat 5 times.
7 Healthy aging tips:
- Friendship. Isolation and loneliness are killers. A close-knit circle of friends who provide trust, support, love, kindness and some exciting happenings from time to time does absolute wonders for the soul.
- Knowledge about emotions and heart intelligence. It’s important to know how negative emotions can damage your health. It literally robs you of years and good health. Heart intelligence includes the science of energy and how we send and receive the energy of others.
- Body Wisdom. It’s a must for happy, healthy aging. Every organ has a message for you, and it’s important for you to listen. Also, remember daily walks!
- Take care of your spine. Sit, stand, stretch and move as if you are 20 years younger. A healthy spine spells a healthy life.
- Deep and conscious breathing is very important. Inhale for eight counts, and exhale for 12 counts.
- Remember to rest properly. At least eight hours of sleep are recommended to function optimally.
Text: Alanicka Lotriet. • Photographer: Elna Fourie.
