You’ll find 101-year-old Thelma McDonnell at the Providence YMCA/Ball Family Center two or three times a week. She attends fitness classes designed for seniors and social events. She even was crowned Prom Queen one year at the Senior Prom, a annual dance and social event for older adults.

She’s an inspiration to many. So when it was time to celebrate her 101st birthday, her family, her Y friends and staff organized a special surprise birthday party for her. 

Thelma says she never expected to reach the age of 101. She says she’s lived so long because she has worked hard and stayed active her whole live.

Now, coming to the Y helps her stay active and maintain strength. Even when she’s not at the Y, she keeps moving while running errands and gets out of the house as much as she can. 

“Coming here has really helped me,” Thelma said of the Y. 

“The exercise and the instructors we have are just so wonderful,” she said. “If you think you can’t go exercise because you are old, you are just so wrong. So much good comes out of moving your body and exercising.”

Thelma’s group exercise instructor, Robin Gerber, is impressed with Thelma’s dedication.

“Exercise is so important for seniors,” Robin said. “She works so hard, she stays healthy.”