Active Aging Role Model: Georgina Harwood
We love featuring inspiring stories on SeniorAdvisor.com. In our monthly Active Aging Role Model series, we feature a senior who’s doing great things and living life with vibrancy. This time, we’re honoring Georgina Harwood, who celebrated her 100th birthday by skydiving and diving with sharks!
How would you choose to celebrate your 100th birthday?
For most, the answer probably would not include extreme sports.
But for one South African centenarian, skydiving was at the top of the list for her birthday plans. Of course, this was actually the third time she’d skydived; she picked up the hobby at the age of 92.
Georgina Harwood was joined by 15 of her closest family members and friends to honor the start of her 100th year of life, with everyone participating in the skydiving. Georgina jumped tandem, with an instructor behind her in the harness, while the others jumped in groups of three. The day became a huge celebration for the guest of honor, who wore a red jumpsuit and prepared for her jump with the assistance of a walking cane.
When it was time to load the plane, Georgina walked across the tarmac with the help of the instructor. But that didn’t stop her from making the most of her birthday jump, showing everyone that you are truly never limited by your age.
So what did the birthday girl plan on doing after her jump? She planned on wrapping up her birthday celebration the following Monday by diving with sharks in a shark cage. And no, we’re not kidding.
Happy Birthday to Georgina Harwood, a truly inspiring and truly active aging role model!
Do you have an #ActiveAging role model you’d like us to feature on the SeniorAdvisor.com blog? Let us know in the comments!
Megan Hammons
Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.