Lois White, a 95-year-old great-great-grandmother from Kansas, is proving that age doesn’t have to slow you down. Known for her vibrant energy and joyful spirit, she’s a shining example of how to live life with purpose and vitality, no matter the years behind you. Born in an era when airplanes were still a new marvel, White married at 17 and raised six children alongside her husband. Family life and sports were at the heart of their home, with the couple even creating a family softball team. Her love for sports and family remains central to her life, helping her maintain a strong sense of connection and joy as she ages.
In recent years, one of White’s biggest passions has become pickleball, a fast-paced paddle sport that’s similar to padel but played on a hard court with a larger, slower ball. Twice a week, she heads to the New Century Fieldhouse in Gardner, Kansas, where she competes alongside people decades younger than herself—some of whom are in their 50s and 60s. Her enthusiasm for the sport isn’t just about staying active, but also about embracing new challenges and maintaining a youthful mindset. Whether she’s on the pickleball court or enjoying time with family, White’s spirit is a testament to her love for life and her refusal to let age dictate her limits.
However, pickleball is just one of the many ways White keeps herself busy and engaged. In addition to the sport, she enjoys weekly card games, takes part in square dancing, and even learned to play the mandolin. White joined a local group known as the Pickers and Fiddlers, where she can share her love of music and keep her mind sharp. Her ability to explore new hobbies and connect with others at her age challenges the common misconception that growing older means giving up on new experiences. Instead, White embraces every opportunity with the same passion she’s always had.
Despite the passing of her husband three decades ago, Lois White’s family remains a key part of her vibrant life. She is surrounded by a growing clan—six children, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. While her family often encourages her to slow down, White’s response is consistent and clear: “You need to keep moving.” This simple yet powerful mindset has not only helped her stay physically fit but also emotionally connected to the people she loves. For White, age is no obstacle to living fully, and she proves that with each passing year, life’s joys only expand.
Lois White’s story offers a beautiful reminder that the later years of life can be filled with as much joy, movement, and discovery as the earlier ones. Far from fading with age, her life continues to grow richer, not just through the activities she pursues, but through the bonds she nurtures with her family and the inspiring example she sets for others. In a world where aging is often seen as a time of slowing down, Lois White is showing us all how to live with energy and purpose at any age.