A 100-year-old Home Depot worker inspires millions with her unstoppable spirit!
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At 100 years old, one inspiring woman is proving that age is no barrier to staying active and making an impact. Her story challenges everything we think we know about life after retirement.
What keeps her going strong every day?
With a work schedule that has her clocking in two mornings a week from 6am to 10 am, JoCleta Wilson's story is one of resilience, joy, and an unyielding zest for life.
Wilson's journey to becoming Home Depot's nonagenarian superstar began when she realized retirement just wasn't for her.
The idea of long, unstructured days with little social interaction left her feeling restless and disconnected.
“That is because I want to communicate with people,” Wilson shared with WAVE 3 News. “If you are not working, you lose your art of conversing.”
Her humorous take on her multiple attempts at retirement resonates with many of us who seek purpose and engagement no matter our age.
“I’ve retired three times. Each time was 10 years, and I’ve gotten so sick of myself, I couldn’t stand it,” she quipped.
It's a sentiment that many of our GrayVine readers can likely relate to—the desire to remain active, to contribute, and to connect with others is a universal human need.
Celebrating her centennial birthday last October, Wilson's life was honored with not one, but two parties—a personal celebration with two piano players and 80 guests, and a “huge party” thrown by her Home Depot family.
These festivities are a testament to the vibrant community she's built and the lives she's touched.
Living independently in her own home, Wilson embodies the spirit of self-reliance that many of us aspire to maintain as we age.
She drives herself to work, cooks her own meals, and while she hires help for cleaning and yard work, she does so with a knowing chuckle, “I could do it, but I don’t want to. I’ve gotten a little smarter by this age.”
Despite health challenges that include breast cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a pacemaker, Wilson's outlook remains undimmed.
“I feel like I’m 39 heading into 40. That’s how it feels,” she says, a statement that reflects the power of a positive mindset.
Her lifelong passion for dance has not waned.
A former professional dancer with the June Taylor Dancers and the founder of the Louisville Dance Academy, Wilson still dances daily, using her Alexa speaker to fuel her impromptu sessions.
“I tell her to play something that’s really good to jump to, and I have at it,” she says.
“I let go and move and do what I want to do, and it feels good. That’s my exercise.”
Wilson's approach to life extends to her diet, where moderation and mindfulness reign.
After three cancer diagnoses, she's cut down on sugar, though she still indulges in a slice of chocolate cake or a tablespoon of ice cream occasionally.
She's also mindful of her cholesterol, opting for lean proteins and avoiding white flour.
Yet, when asked about her secret to longevity, Wilson's advice transcends diet and exercise.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry. Don’t let everything make you angry. Anger takes a lot of muscle and a lot of good out of your life,” she advises.
“It’s so much easier to think positive than to think negative. It takes a lot less effort. And that’s what I try to do.”
JoCleta Wilson's story is a powerful reminder that our golden years can be filled with growth, purpose, and joy.
Her dedication to staying active, both physically and socially, her independent spirit, and her positive outlook are inspiring lessons for us all.
Remember, whether you're 60 or 100, it's never too late to pursue your passions, to learn, to work, and to make new connections.
We at The GrayVine celebrate JoCleta Wilson and all the seniors who continue to redefine what it means to age with grace and gusto.
What are your secrets to a fulfilling life after retirement? How do you maintain your social connections and keep your mind and body sharp? Share their own stories of how you stay engaged and active in your later years.
What keeps her going strong every day?
With a work schedule that has her clocking in two mornings a week from 6am to 10 am, JoCleta Wilson's story is one of resilience, joy, and an unyielding zest for life.
Wilson's journey to becoming Home Depot's nonagenarian superstar began when she realized retirement just wasn't for her.
The idea of long, unstructured days with little social interaction left her feeling restless and disconnected.
“That is because I want to communicate with people,” Wilson shared with WAVE 3 News. “If you are not working, you lose your art of conversing.”
Wilson sought the job after finding retirement unsatisfying and enjoys the social interaction and staying active. Image source: WAVE News - Louisville, KY/Youtube.
Her humorous take on her multiple attempts at retirement resonates with many of us who seek purpose and engagement no matter our age.
“I’ve retired three times. Each time was 10 years, and I’ve gotten so sick of myself, I couldn’t stand it,” she quipped.
It's a sentiment that many of our GrayVine readers can likely relate to—the desire to remain active, to contribute, and to connect with others is a universal human need.
Celebrating her centennial birthday last October, Wilson's life was honored with not one, but two parties—a personal celebration with two piano players and 80 guests, and a “huge party” thrown by her Home Depot family.
These festivities are a testament to the vibrant community she's built and the lives she's touched.
Living independently in her own home, Wilson embodies the spirit of self-reliance that many of us aspire to maintain as we age.
She drives herself to work, cooks her own meals, and while she hires help for cleaning and yard work, she does so with a knowing chuckle, “I could do it, but I don’t want to. I’ve gotten a little smarter by this age.”
Despite health challenges that include breast cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a pacemaker, Wilson's outlook remains undimmed.
“I feel like I’m 39 heading into 40. That’s how it feels,” she says, a statement that reflects the power of a positive mindset.
Her lifelong passion for dance has not waned.
A former professional dancer with the June Taylor Dancers and the founder of the Louisville Dance Academy, Wilson still dances daily, using her Alexa speaker to fuel her impromptu sessions.
“I tell her to play something that’s really good to jump to, and I have at it,” she says.
“I let go and move and do what I want to do, and it feels good. That’s my exercise.”
Wilson's approach to life extends to her diet, where moderation and mindfulness reign.
After three cancer diagnoses, she's cut down on sugar, though she still indulges in a slice of chocolate cake or a tablespoon of ice cream occasionally.
She's also mindful of her cholesterol, opting for lean proteins and avoiding white flour.
Yet, when asked about her secret to longevity, Wilson's advice transcends diet and exercise.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry. Don’t let everything make you angry. Anger takes a lot of muscle and a lot of good out of your life,” she advises.
“It’s so much easier to think positive than to think negative. It takes a lot less effort. And that’s what I try to do.”
JoCleta Wilson's story is a powerful reminder that our golden years can be filled with growth, purpose, and joy.
Her dedication to staying active, both physically and socially, her independent spirit, and her positive outlook are inspiring lessons for us all.
Remember, whether you're 60 or 100, it's never too late to pursue your passions, to learn, to work, and to make new connections.
What are your secrets to a fulfilling life after retirement? How do you maintain your social connections and keep your mind and body sharp? Share their own stories of how you stay engaged and active in your later years.
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