It’s easy to be discouraged when you make a commitment for better health, especially when aging is in play. When the going gets tough, looking to role models can help get you through. By definition, a role model is living proof that dreams can become reality. Role models don’t just preach about achievement, they demonstrate how it’s done. 

Ernestine Shepard, born on June 16, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, the world’s oldest female competitive body builder, is a powerful role model. Her journey started at age 56 when she and her sister were trying on bathing suits. Neither liked what they saw in the mirror and they made a pact to get in shape together. 

Her sister died suddenly from a brain aneurysm shortly after they made their pact. Ernestine was devastated, and it didn’t take long for the grief and depression to cause health struggles. She began to see her fitness journey as a way to honor her sister’s memory. Carrying on with their shared dream became her way of keeping sister’s spirit alive.

By the time Ernestine reached her 70s, she was competing in bodybuilding competitions and soon earned the title of the world’s oldest female competitive bodybuilder. Today at age 89 she breaks stereotypes about age, health, and fitness. She’s been on magazine covers, featured in newspapers, and been a guest on Oprah, always delivering the message that it is never too late to improve your health.

At almost 90 years old, she’s still keeping her love for her sister alive by redefining what’s possible for human health and longevity. If she can look that amazing at age 89, we can too.