In case you’re already enthusiastic about nixing that New 12 months’s decision of figuring out extra, lower than three weeks into 2026, it’s possible you’ll need to look to James Sneed for motivation.
The 103-year-old World Conflict II veteran is proving that you just’re by no means too outdated to remain bodily match.
Sneed, who served within the Army, heads to the D.A. Turner YMCA in Columbus, Georgia 3 times every week, all the time greeting front-desk personnel with a smile and a form phrase. Then he makes his method to a exercise room to participate in a Silver Sneakers class, the place he motivates fellow seniors many years youthful than him.
At his age, no one would blame Sneed if he needed to chill out and luxuriate in his remaining years. Not this WWII veteran.
“It helps me,” Sneed informed News 3 in Georgia. “I don’t surrender. No… don’t surrender. You by no means surrender.”
Sneed’s common exercises and constructive perspective present a spark to not solely seniors, however folks throughout the age spectrum, in keeping with YMCA employees.
“Individuals are available in and say, ‘I’m too outdated to work out,’” mentioned Brittany Brown, the YMCA’s member expertise and advertising and marketing director. “I all the time inform them completely not. We have now any person right here that’s 103 years outdated that’s figuring out so no excuses.”
No Impediment Too Massive
Sneed was born on Sept. 16, 1922. He’s among the many final line of People who survived the Nice Despair, served the nation in World Conflict II, and, as a Black man, endured durations of shameful discrimination and segregation. Nonetheless, Sneed cast forward, constructing a life in wooden and paper manufacturing, all whereas elevating 5 kids, overcoming a battle with most cancers, and staying actively engaged in church and group actions.
Little doubt, Sneed’s devotion to health retains him ticking, even at 103, however he additionally believes religion performs an important half in his well being, too.
“The person up above helps preserve me wholesome,” he mentioned.
Sneed has turned to figuring out in recent times to enhance energy and stability. However in keeping with his daughter, Dr. Janet Sneed, her father has all the time been a devoted individual.
“He’s all the time labored arduous for us. He’s all the time been selfless,” she mentioned. “Once I don’t need to stand up within the morning, I hear him calling me. He’s my inspiration.”
Sneed moved in together with his daughter a number of years in the past when she had considerations that slowing down may show dangerous to his well being. She thought introducing him to the YMCA may ignite an curiosity in train. He exceeded her expectations.
“That was the perfect factor we ever did,” she mentioned. “He fell in love with the folks right here. They usually fell in love with him.”
Main By Instance
For Josie Johnson, one among Sneed’s exercise buddies, watching him present up and put within the work has altered her opinions on growing older.
“He’s an inspiration to all of us,” Johnson mentioned. “By no means quitting. By no means surrender.”
Sneed says main by instance is intentional. He enjoys motivating others.
“Good, higher, greatest, by no means let it relaxation,” he mentioned. “Until the nice grow to be higher, and the higher grow to be greatest.”
The World Conflict II veteran credit phrases of inspiration he obtained a few years in the past that he usually passes alongside to associates.
“Do all the nice you’ll be able to… to all of the folks you’ll be able to… each place you’ll be able to,” he mentioned. “I obtained that from an outdated trainer.”
Exercise Reverses Ageing
Whereas the physique is inclined to tone it down as we age, research have proven that staying lively irrespective of how outdated helps help bodily and psychological well being. Sneed’s cognitive consciousness continues to be sharp and employees on the Columbus YMCA consider he’s a dwelling embodiment of the constructive results of train.
“He doesn’t ask for assist strolling in. He doesn’t make excuses,” Brown mentioned. “He simply reveals up.”
For the previous few years, Sneed has celebrated birthdays on the YMCA, and he hopes to be there blowing out 104 candles on his cake when he hits 104 this September.
