Anne Jones ’49 Keeps Mind, Body Active

Anne Jones `49 quenches her thirst for fun and adventure with an active lifestyle that compliments her 81 years young.

Many people celebrate birthdays with cakes, candles and cards. Last year, Anne Whitten Jones ’49 traveled to Puerto Rico, went kayaking, snorkeling and hiking, took a ride in a hot-air balloon and placed second in a 5K run.

But for Jones, who turns 81 in February, the busy birthday trip was just another way to do what she loves most: stay active.

“I’ve just got a joy for life and a lot of energy,” said Jones, a retired teacher of hearing-impaired students, mother of four, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of two who lives in Ocoee, Fla.

It’s that energy that motivates Jones to keep a schedule packed with activities and trips. A member of her local YMCA, she swims and takes water aerobics classes three times a week. She even finds time to plan activity-filled excursions: In March, Jones plans to go kayaking in Okefenokee Swamp, and this summer she and several friends will visit parks in five western states. Jones has experienced canoeing, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, tree ziplining, hiking – and she’s enjoyed every minute of it.

“I love activities, and now that I’m retired I have time to do all these things,” she said. “Now I don’t know how people have time to work!”

Education – a passion she discovered in college – also continues to play an important role in her life. Jones, who studied music education at Winthrop, attends weekly meetings of Learning Institute for Elders at the University of Central Florida and travels nationally and internationally through Elderhostel, a not-for-profit educational travel program. In May, her travels will bring her back to Winthrop, where she will attend her 60th class reunion. Jones said she’s excited to reconnect with her roommate, college friends and classmates on the campus where she learned to value learning and new experiences.

“I do know that education is a treasure, and I treasure it,” she said.