Being in shape and staying active does not depend on age, although sometimes society insists otherwise. Who said that age is an obstacle to moving and enjoying? Stories like Maria Luisa Solórzano’s show that vitality can be reinvented at any time in life.
At 87 years old, Mexican María Luisa Solórzano, mother of 10 children, grandmother of 14 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 9, has become an example of improvement and vitality by practicing pole fitness at her advanced age. This demanding and unusual discipline among older people that combines strength and elasticity on a vertical bar has made María Luisa a reference for those who believe that age is a barrier.
A woman without limits
According to María Luisa herself in a video published on the Instagram profile of the studio where she trains (@bunnystudio.polecity), her immersion in pole fitness began ten years ago. “I feel like the happiest woman in the world,” she says, and although she recognizes that “like everything, it costs us a little bit of work, but I don’t give up,” ensuring that perseverance has been key in her process.
Solórzano defines himself as an independent person and emphasizes the importance of physical exercise to maintain health in old age. “I see older people like me who are cared for by their families and that is why they become rusty,” he points out, while emphasizing the value of personal autonomy and independence.
At 87 years old, he also vindicates his vanity and his desire to “build muscle,” moving away from the stereotype of resignation. “I like to have strength in my arms, that it shows in my belly,” he admits. In addition, she assures that “there is no age for any exercise activity,” and takes the opportunity to send a message to all women. “Do exercise, we were not born to be at home, taking care of our husbands, taking care of our children… we must classify ourselves as women who are valuable.”
Thus, Maria Luisa’s case illustrates how age should not be a limit and how physical activity can become a tool of empowerment and autonomy, especially for older women.