Secrets of Longevity: Katy Wilson
By Melissa Harrison
Katy Wilson, 86
From the twisting pathways of England, to the vast farmlands of France and the tiny Mediterranean villages of Greece, Katy Wilson has taken her love of walking all over the world. Wilson, 85, spent two decades traversing the globe on international walking tours. She’s been on 21 trips and has logged thousands of miles on foot. When her age inhibited her from traveling as much as she used to, she brought her love of walking home with her. Now, once a week, Wilson leads a group of senior citizens on a four-and-a-half-mile walk around the greater San Diego area.
”I’ve always loved walking and being with a group makes the experience that much more enjoyable. It’s a great way to take in your surroundings and the world around you. It’s important to stay active and I feel so fortunate to have seen so much.”
Wilson pairs her walking routine with twice-weekly workouts at her local gym, where she alternates between the Stairmaster and lifting free weights. A physical education teacher for 30 years, staying fit comes naturally to Wilson. She grew up hiking in Colorado and danced and placed tennis in college. Wilson says her active efforts have allowed her to maintain continuous good health.
”I was raised healthy from a young age — plenty of sleep, good food — and I’ve tried to carry all of those things into my adult life. As a P.E. teacher, I was lucky enough to make my living jumping around,” said Wilson. “I think it comes down to having that basic knowledge of what it takes to be healthy, and then applying that to what you do each day.”
DIET: Vegetarian: lots of greens, fibers. No sweets, fats. Allows herself occasional wine with dinner.
EXERCISE: Long walks, gym workouts.
FAMILY : Husband: George, deceased. Three sons.
MEDICAL HISTORY : Perfect health. For prevention, takes a multi-vitamin and enzyme pills each morning.
MOTTO: ”Life is a gift you open everyday.”
FUN FACT: Though Wilson is strict about not having sweets in her diet, she admits to one routine that she won’t break: having a margarita every Friday with one of her sons.
