Hammond's Mary LeVan, 95, is a finalist for the 20th Annual SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award.
This national honor recognizes individuals who have significantly improved their lives through physical activity while inspiring and motivating others.
At SilverSneakers, she attends classes three times a week, participates in Latin dance classes four to five nights a week, walks three to five miles daily, and enjoys weekly line dancing and ballroom dancing classes.
LeVan started on her fitness journey nearly 30 years ago following her retirement.
"After retiring, I began exercising at the Purdue University Northwest Fitness Center with the Fitness Center Director, John Bobalik, who later nominated me for SilverSneakers," said LeVan. "Thirty years on, I'm still walking strong."
Her spirits are uplifted by the enjoyment she finds in her workouts. She doesn’t necessarily see it as exercise but rather as a fun adventure.
"I see it as playing, not working out, because I always aim to have fun,” said LeVan. “Every day is a chance to play, whether it's Zumba or any other class. I love going to plays, concerts, and anything that brings joy, but being around people keeps me motivated."
She is an active member of a walking group known as the Well Walker’s Club, which she helped establish. The group promotes community and mutual support among its members.
"I joined SilverSneakers with Bobalik and it didn’t take long for me to realize we walk a great deal at the club," said LeVan. "They had plans for a European trip, and I joined them. There's a group called the Well Walker’s Club that tracks our daily steps. They recommend five miles a day, so that's what I aim for. It's not always easy, but I push myself to reach that goal."
Outside of her walking activities, LeVan dedicates her time as a volunteer at the Indiana Dunes State Park. She uses her community as fuel to keep striving and working every day.
"I've met so many beautiful people through volunteering, and members of the Well Walker’s Club from 30 years ago still get together," said LeVan. "The people who motivate me are the ones I'm blessed to be with—sweet friends and kind people. I have a family I appreciate dearly."
She makes it a priority to engage in daily activities that not only maintain her health but also bring her enjoyment and fulfillment.
"Every day, no matter if it's sunny, raining, or snowing, I have to participate and be active," said LeVan. "If it's not Zumba, it's dancing. I go to dances, concerts, or any events that I can attend locally. Attending outdoor concerts is one of my favorite passions."
She feels honored to be a 2024 SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award Top 10 Finalist.
"I am honored to be nominated; it was a beautiful gesture on their part," said LeVan. "I'm just grateful for all my friends as they are such sweet and kind people. I appreciate each one of them as they are all blessings. I stay in touch with everybody who shows love to me as I know they are voting for me to win the award."
For more details and to read Mary’s inspiring story, click moyawards.silversneakers.com.