Aerobics instructor turning 80 this month

An interview with Eileen Schafer.

Her passion: With her 80th birthday approaching May 15, she remains active and fit after 27 years as an aerobics instructor.

1. Why did you start teaching aerobics?

For my health. Plus, I love to dance. I worked out at the Y for years and I've always exercised since I was a young girl, since I was 16 or 17. When I got older, I went to the senior center and I started giving classes. It was a fluke. The woman doing it at the time had left and they asked me if I would take her place. At first, I only had four people doing the exercises with me. I figured word of mouth would bring more. Soon, I had 17 or 18 and now there are more [25 to 35 people]. ... The years kept going by and before I knew it, 27 years went by.

 2. What motivates you to continue teaching today?

I don't know what it is, but these elderly people just love it and we have fun. We are like teenagers. We built the program up and stayed with it. Most of the women are in their 70s and 80s and they do really well. They tell me every time how wonderful it makes them feel. I have one lady who is 93 years old, Katie Attenbaugh; she's been doing this with me since the beginning. She's in great shape. ... Now, the younger ones are coming in, people in their 50s and 60s. I move those ladies pretty good and they're all in good shape and they like to socialize. I recommend it for older people; anything where you move - walking, swimming - it's good for you. ... I really love going because I feel great when I'm done.

 3. What is your secret to staying fit and longevity?

I get so tired of people telling me, ["You look so good for 80."] I have common sense. I go to bed every night at a certain time and I get up the same time every morning, at 6 a.m. I don't even need an alarm clock. I just get up. I eat a healthy breakfast. Then, I clean the house and do my chores. I stay very active. I stay active at home. You have to get involved in things. You can't sit around the house and feel sorry for yourself. I don't feel sorry for myself. And you can't lie around and watch TV like some men and women. When you do that, you snack too much. Don't stuff yourself. Take vitamins through the years. Eat healthy and always exercise. I go two days a week. And, drink lots of water.

 4. Do you have any nutritional tips?

Oatmeal. I eat a bowl of oatmeal about every morning with a half a banana. Once a week, I'll splurge on pastries. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like my sweets. I love my sweets. I am a chocoholic so I will eat a little chocolate every once in a while. But I control it. I take a multivitamin. Most of the older generation does. The younger generation doesn't and they need to. Also, don't drink and no smoking. I never smoked. And, I don't drink any pop. I will have orange and cranberry juice. It gives you a lot of energy.

 5. What's your goal?At my age right now, I am doing it. I am a gardener. I love to plant flowers. I love line dancing; I've been line dancing for a long time. I have two girls and two grandchildren and they mean the world to me. My life is pretty full.