Profiles of Age Disruption: Karen Bellinger

 

CHARLOTTE - Aging in America today is not what it was for your parents. Times have changed, and so have your options for a long and productive life at 50 plus! As the Boomers change the demographics of the country, so, too, must our perceptions of aging change. And there is no better way to change those points of view  than by sharing stories and allowing ourselves to be inspired by those leading the way.

In Charlotte, AARP is challenging old notions of aging with  Run with AARP, a new volunteer experience that supports the active 50+ and aims to tell stories of how active adults are defining aging on their own terms, or as AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins would say, how they are "Disrupting Aging!"

We bring you Profiles of Age Disruption,  a new web and social media series that will give you a glimpse of those who are embracing aging in a new way.

Meet 50 year-old Karen Bellinger. Karen is a software engineer VP and Manager who has lived in Charlotte for the past 18 years. As a member of Run with AARP in Charlotte, Karen has been running for three years and is off to quite a start.

"When I met Karen, I was immediately inspired by her story, said Mike Olender, AARP North Carolina Associate State Director from Charlotte. "She was about to turn 50, was a relatively new, but avid runner, and was hoping an upcoming race would help her support a loved one's fight with cancer. He added, "I knew immediately she was the kind of person who could help AARP disrupt those old ideas of what it means to be 50+"

What events do you/have you taken part in?  

5K’s, 10ks, half marathons and triathlons

What inspires you to run?

People in the running community.   The first time I watched a half marathon race, I was inspired by the older people I watched cross the finish line.   I thought, “Wow, if she is 60 and running a half marathon, then I can too.”

What advice do you have to give to somebody who is thinking  about running but does not know where to start?

I would recommend becoming educated as a runner.   Attend FREE running form clinics for runners that are offered at Run For Your Life or other community centers and programs.   These programs can also offer shoes size and fit assessments, explain what socks to wear and give you so much more information – a “Runners 101” so to speak.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not running?

Traveling, volunteering in the community, reading, going to concerts, painting, yoga, zumba, cycling, swimming, shopping and spending time with my family.

For many people, running is a very difficult thing to do. When you are running and your body feels like giving up, how do you inspire yourself through it?

I am inspired by the running community sharing their victories and challenges as a runner.   They inspire me.   I tell myself, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ", Philippians 4:13 Bible Scripture.

What do you think about AARP's mission to "disrupt aging"?

I think AARP’s mission to disrupt aging is spot on. Aging is something we should look forward to and own it.   When I turned 50 last year in October, I admit I was a little unsure about the being 50 because society always talked about 50 as “over the hill.”  Well, I've changed my attitude and embrace my age. Sometimes I feel I’m in better physical- shape then some younger generations.  I'm now OK with being 50 and living my life like its golden.

What do you say to people who say that they “could never do what you do”?

Age is just a number.  If you are in good or bad health, just do it.   It will make you feel better and quite possibly improve your health.

Any inspiring words to share?

Make time to exercise.   Put it on your calendar like a doctor’s appointment.  If you are healthy and woke up this morning, then you have an opportunity to exercise.  Take baby steps.  Walk after dinner with your spouse or neighbor.   Join a Meet Up group once a week.   Live, laugh and love your life and others.

 

 

We want to hear YOUR story! Tell us how YOU are disrupting aging and give us the opportunity to share your story! Reach out to us at molender@aarp.org or (704) 359-7407. Twitter: @AARPCLT