At 83, I Keep Moving as a Yoga Instructor: More Than Just a Grandmother

Barbara Brown, aged 83, spends her days teaching yoga classes, focusing mostly on seniors in nursing homes. Even though she continues to work partly to boost her Social Security benefits, the role is more of a passion than a necessity for her.

A Lifetime of Work

I embarked on my working life at the age of 15. Our family was stretched financially, prompting me to juggle night school while laboring during the day. My professional journey took a significant turn when I was scouted by JPMorgan during my college years.

My introduction to the corporate world began as an accountant, eventually evolving into a career as an auditor. My tenure at JPMorgan spanned over 15 years; a fulfilling, albeit challenging period where I grew both personally and professionally. After this chapter, I took on roles at smaller enterprises and even within the entertainment sector in New York.

Embracing Change in Richmond

Life led me to Richmond about two decades ago due to my husband’s health crisis, aligning with my son's college plans in the area. Transitioning from the busy streets of New York to Richmond was a significant shift, but I managed to land a role at a visual arts institution, maintaining my employment there until 2009.

Upon retiring, my pursuit of meaning found expression through yoga instruction, which I continue to do full-time even as an octogenarian.

The Call to Teach

My affinity for yoga started during my corporate days in New York as a method to manage stress. As I settled into Richmond, this interest turned towards teaching, especially as I aged. Over my vacation time, I immersed myself in an ashram, completing significant training to become a certified yoga teacher.

I embraced my first teaching role at the Y, and despite officially retiring from my corporate job, I found newfound purpose in leading yoga sessions. My journey included hosting retreats in countries like Costa Rica, where the shared experience of yoga, travel, and vegetarian dining enriched my life for seven transformative years.

Focusing on Senior Wellness

Nowadays, my energy is primarily devoted to instructing at nursing homes, a role I truly treasure. I visit five such facilities, crafting classes that incorporate music to engage and bring joy to those with memory challenges. Witnessing their recognition of familiar songs and encouraging them to move is an incredible reward.

I teach chair yoga, which is well-suited for the abilities of my participants and manageable for me at my age. One-on-one sessions also occur, still providing me a sense of satisfaction and significance.

Balancing Passion with Practicality

While my heart is in this work, it also helps cover financial gaps from Social Security. The financial strain from unpaid rent during the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected me, adding to the credit card debt and mortgage responsibilities.

Founding a career in yoga was not a light expense; its initial setup and professional upkeep carry significant costs. Despite this, I manage all aspects of my business independently.

Living Differently

Having adopted a vegan diet over 35 years ago, I maintain a simple and affordable lifestyle centered around fresh produce. This choice contributes significantly to my health, sparing me from medications and contributing to vital signs akin to someone much younger.

Family is important to me, yet unconventional. My schedule is intense, limiting traditional grandmotherly activities like baking and extensive visits. Instead, I nurture well-being through yoga, conserving energy for the things that matter.

Reflecting and Creating

Losing loved ones such as my husband and mother reshaped my outlook, prompting me to focus on the present and the creative endeavors I can pursue to improve not only my life but also positively impact others'.