99-year-old woman from Esslingen impresses Germany with fitness tips!

99-year-old woman from Esslingen impresses Germany with fitness tips!

Hedwig Abzieher, a remarkable 99-year-old from Esslingen, recently caused a stir with a video that received almost 2.7 million views on Instagram and over 105,000 likes. In the moving recording, she shares advice on fitness and enjoyment of life and emphasizes the importance of sport in old age. The oldest participant in the Esslingen movement meeting, which has existed for 15 years, has attracted a lot of attention not only across Germany but also beyond the video. However, Abzieh himself is not active on social media and only found out about the virality of the video through an acquaintance from a retirement home, as the Esslinger Zeitung reports.

“I was surprised when I heard that I was in the video,” says Hedwig, who was originally born in South Moravia and lost her mother when she was 11. She had to take on responsibility early on, running the household and helping her father with farming. Her own daughter died at the age of 61 after a serious illness, which was another major blow in her life. Despite these challenges, she remains positive: “Worry makes you sick, you have to deal with the challenges of life.”

Movement as the key to joy in life

In the video, Hedwig explains that it is particularly important to stay active as you get older. The benefits of exercise cannot be underestimated. Regular physical activity promotes not only physical but also mental health, improves sleep and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The participants at the Esslinger movement meeting, where Hedwig trains regularly, also know this. A fall in which she broke her lumbar and thoracic vertebrae didn't stop her: "I continued to do my best and am looking forward to being able to see my great-grandchildren too."

“Older people should pay particular attention to their health,” explains an expert. Activities like walking, yoga or even walking football are ideal for maintaining fitness as you age. There are also a variety of YouTube channels that are specifically tailored to senior fitness. Channels like Senior Shape Fitness and FitnessBlender offer tailored workouts for different fitness levels and are a great addition to an active lifestyle.

Positive feedback and shared experiences

The response to Hedwig's video has been overwhelming: she has received numerous positive responses, including from a 94-year-old woman who shares similar life circumstances and expresses her enthusiasm for Hedwig's advice. This feedback is not only a sign of recognition, but also shows how important it is to overcome generational barriers and share experiences. “It makes me very happy to reach so many people and encourage them,” says Abi, as she is affectionately known by her friends.

Hedwig Abzieher is an inspiring example of how one can radiate joy of life and vitality even in old age. Her message is clear: exercise and positive thoughts are the key to being happy even in later life. And for many, this is a valuable lesson to take to heart.