This documentary is the work of Focal Point Vancouver student Lani Hyde. Below is her artist statement in her words:
October 27, 2011 in the evening. The breakfast table is ready for Ron and Fran Hyde to rise at 4:30am to begin their twice weekly weightlifting routine. Ron, my father, turned 86 during the time when these images were taken. My mother, Fran, is 82 (almost 83). They have shared this weightlifting/fitness routine for over 30 years.
"Growing Older, Staying Strong
Weightlifting in your 80’s
My parents, Ron and Fran, believe that “to stop moving is the worst thing you can do when you are aging.” My Mom is soon to turn 83 and my Dad just celebrated his 86th birthday.
Married for nearly 60 years, they have shared over 30 of these weightlifting twice a week at the Canada Games Pool fitness centre in New Westminster, British Columbia.
They are at an age people call old. I reluctantly use this word for them because they aren’t the “old” that I imagined “old” to be. I rarely think of them this way. The beginning of their workout involves 50 minutes of cardio that is divided between the treadmill and exercise bikes and then they move onto weightlifting and completing a series of strength and flexibility exercises on the matts. In addition, my Mom swims lengths for 25 minutes. On off days, they complete different exercises at home which include 100 sit-ups and 45 partial push-ups for my Dad and 15-20 half push-ups as well as stretching and flexibility exercises for my Mom. They also take daily walks and as I explored in another documentary, they are active dancers 2-3 times a week in their “Old Time Dancing” community. I remind myself that they are 82 and 86
Because my parents rise at the forbidding hour of 4:30am to get ready to go to the gym, the breakfast table is prepared the night before and gym bags are placed in the kitchen. When they arrived to eat their breakfast, they are so accustomed to me photographing them that they seemed oblivious to my presence.
When my father allowed me to photograph him in the intimacy of their bathroom, I’m taken with the beauty of his body and the indisputable signs of his aging. At the pool, I am compelled to photograph my Mom and a young competitive swimmer as they simultaneously return to the women’s change room.
As my father sat lifting a 10 pound free weight, he spoke to me, without a hint of ego, about how he used to have bigger muscles when he was a younger man. He shows up and lifts what he can despite health issues that have weakened his muscles, but never his spirit to care for his body.
I observe my Mom’s indomitable spirit as she methodically moves from one fitness task to the next. After each routine, her eyes are already fixed on her next goal.
After two hours at Canada Games Pool, they head to the Royal City Centre coffee shop where, once again, they enjoy a coffee and biscotti, laugh, discuss and quietly read the paper together in a way 60 years of comfort creates.
Are my parents inspiring role models for the aging “baby boomers?” Maybe. I’d like to think so…but I know that’s not what motivates them. For them, it’s about being together, staying active and taking care of their health. For me, it was a privilege to see my parents in a whole new way and a joy to document their active lives.
I extend my gratitude to the Aquatic Manager, Hilary Knowles, for allowing me access to the Canada Games Pool weight room and pool facility to create this documentary piece.
Documentary completed November 2011. "
October 28, 2011 at 5:20am. It's still dark out, yet my parents have finished breakfast. My Mom arrives at the table dressed in her workout gear and my Dad prefers his pajamas and a warm sweater. They never miss reading the local paper to keep abreast of current events.
October 28, 2011. At nearly 83 years old, my fiercely independent Mom, reacts in utter amusement at an article about a Senior's home that has found a way to improve the taste of oatmeal. She takes great pride in cooking and can't imagine living with mass produced, tasteless food.
October 28, 2011. My Dad stands in his bathroom carefully brushing his teeth and tongue. He allows me to photograph this intimate moment and I'm taken with the beauty of his body and the indisputable signs of aging.
October 28, 2011. It's 5:58am and my Mom smiles at my Dad as he talks with the cashier at Canada Games Pool in New Westminster, B.C.. Each day, as they wait to enter at the opening of 6:00am, they enjoy their friendly chats with the cashier.
October 25, 2011. My Dad smiles at my Mom as she has just completed her 25 minute warm-up on the treadmill. My parents hurry up the stairs at 6:00am to the fitness centre to be sure to get a treadmill as it is very busy. They both complete 25 minutes and then move onto exercise bikes for another 25 minutes of cardio.
October 25, 2011. My Dad grips the free weights. He is wearing the watch my Mom gave him when he turned 40 years old. He rarely takes it off.
October, 25, 2011. My Dad lifts free weights as other patrons move about their workouts. He knows the weights are small but subscribes to the thinking that as you get older, you do what you can. .
October 18, 2011. At 82 years old, my Mom is balanced on a giant ball. She is careful to complete a series of exercises that help her strengthen her balance, keenly aware that it is essential for fall prevention as a senior.
October 25, 2011. My Dad raises his free weights above his head. He is quick to say that the worst thing you can do when you get older is stop.
October 18, 2011. My Mom focuses on pulling a weight.
October 25, 2011. My Mom wears the ring Dad gave her nearly 60 years ago when they married. She pauses during her sit-ups leaving her hands clasped behind her head.
October 18, 2011. My Dad pauses before resuming squeezing the weights together with his legs.
October 18, 2011. My Dad pulls weights.
October 25, 2011. My Mom stops to visit with another weightroom patron regular. She is quick to smile and laugh with those whom she speaks.
October 21, 2011. My Dad rides for 25 minutes on the exercise bike while sharing conversation with another regular patron who is also a Senior, but younger! My parents are the oldest people during these morning sessions in the weight room at Canada Games Pool.
November 8, 2011. My Mom had finished her 25 minutes of swimming and a relaxation time in the jacuzzi. As she walked toward the change room, a young competitive swimmer of about 18 years was also heading in the same direction. The similarities of their bodies struck me and when I showed my Mom the image later, it rendered her speechless.
November 8, 2011. My Dad is telling my Mom something and it amuses them greatly. He throws back his head in a big, hearty laugh.
November 8, 2011. After their workout, my parents visit the coffee shop in the centre of the Royal City Centre Mall in New Westminster. They sit, with runners still on, in quiet comfort with one another, reading a small local paper. They enjoy a coffee and a biscotti biscuit. The routine is complete.
