Ian Wadell Proves Even When You Have A Disability Age Is Just A Number, By Jason Hahr

image of Ian Wadell standing using his walker




Do you get overwhelmed by the world? Are you tired at the end of every day? A typical response to those questions by an average adult would be yes. As we age, we are conditioned to believe that when our bodies slow down, we should too. This article will shine a spotlight on one elderly individual who believes that age is just a number.

When I was looking for my next article, I was introduced to Ian Wadell. After reading a profile/interview on him in Able Magazine, I envisioned one of those badass grandpas you see on TV. Ian was 86 and living in Wales, UK, at the time of the article that came out last year. What intrigued me about Ian’s story is not only that he was ot born into the Voiceless Minority, he came into his disability later in life, but the fact that he did not let his disability, which affects him physically, stop him from living.

According to the article, before acquiring his disability, osteoarthritis, Ian had served in the UK military.   This not only increased my respect for him personally, but it also instilled a love for physical fitness in Ian himself. After leaving the service, Ian was involved in several cross-country running campaigns throughout Wales. But just when one would think Ian would slow down, he decided to climb Mt. Pen Y Fan with his walker. That’s right, I said with a walker! For those who are unaware, walking with a walker is not always easy. There are a variety of walkers one can choose from. Indeed, when I was younger, before I decided to sit on my butt full-time. Really, I had no choice. Back then, I used a KAYE walker, which is the most common starter walker. However, Mr. Wadell’s walker is much cooler. Mr. Wadell is old to the numbers, but not in his spirit. He proves that you should not let anything stop you from living, even if you must adapt along the way.

Now this does not mean I will get my butt and start climbing stairs; I got used to elevator rides with crappy music. As this temperamental body of mine ages, I will have to adapt to keeping my spirit young. This will take some effort and work on my part. Thanks to my newly fitness-inspired fiancée, I hopefully can follow in her tracks. Only time will tell. Who knows, by this time next year, I may have really buff arms and a really cool driving hand. Until the next time I put virtual pen to paper, this is your friendly neighborhood fitness-inspired super advocate, Jay.

 

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