We’ve all heard the advice for aging well: sleep more, eat healthily, and stay active.
After visiting with two extraordinary Iowa women in their 90s, former U.S. Ambassador Mary Kramer and Connie Wimer, owner and Chair of Business Publications Corporation, I discovered aging well is about far more than physical health. Their stories reminded me that longevity isn’t just about how long we live. It’s about how we live along the way.
Both women faced obstacles, took risks, and reinvented themselves. They approached life with curiosity, resilience, and deep appreciation for relationships. Their clear success suggests that aging well is an intentional practice rooted in optimism, gratitude, and continual learning.
Believe You Can. Then Learn How.
Mary’s father filled her with confidence that she could do anything, even when others said she couldn’t. Hearing “no” only motivated her more. When she was elected president of the Iowa Senate, there were those who doubted her ability to do the job. But she used their doubt as fuel to accomplish her goals. And not long after, President George W. Bush tapped her to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
Mary began her career as an educator, so it’s not surprising she believes you’re never too old to learn. From playing the piano as a child to learning the intricacies of public policy as a young state senator, she intentionally surrounded herself with people who would provide honest answers, including experts who taught her that leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about knowing who to ask.
Connie’s story echoes that theme. She lived a happy, modest childhood, only becoming aware of others’ fortunes in college. Experiencing the lean years while her husband started his law practice created a mindset that would serve her well as an entrepreneur. It’s easier to take risks with upside potential when you already know how to live with very little. Connie’s intellectual curiosity, combined with extensive board work (both locally and nationally) helped nurture her business acumen and led to the launching of two successful businesses. Her definition of a “great day” is one where she goes home at night, having learned something new.
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“Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about knowing who to ask.” Mary Kramer |
Take The Risk. Seize The Opportunity.
Connie’s turnaround story at Iowa Title is a master class in pairing risk with relentless determination. She signed a 20-year contract to buy a company that was losing money, had a poor reputation, and was the smallest of four competing businesses. She recalls preparing and hosting luncheons during seasonally tough times to generate business, solving compliance issues, and instituting many changes, including computerizing the small business in 1979. She would tell you that risk isn’t reckless when paired with hard work, courage, and curiosity.
As a child, Mary watched her parents make career and relocation decisions to take advantage of potential opportunities. She learned that risk is often another name for growth and lives by the phrase, “Seize opportunity.” She encourages others to adopt an optimistic mindset – to train your inner voice and listen to it.
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“Risk isn’t reckless when paired with hard work, courage, and curiosity.” Connie Wimer |
Relationships: The True Lifelong Investment
Both Mary and Connie emphasized that relationships sustain us, not just in moments of crisis, but throughout the ordinary days that make up our lives.Mary invites people with differing views into conversations, so she can listen, ask questions, and learn. In both politics and relationships, asking questions and listening to honest answers can help build important bridges. She credits many of her accomplishments and life full of happiness to the steadfast support and trusted counsel of her late husband, Kay.Connie continues to find joy in her work – and laughter. It’s not unusual to find her at her business, weekdays and weekends alike, guided by her belief to have fun in what you do. Even now, hearing colleagues chat and laugh outside her office door brings happiness. Laughter, she insists, is essential to a life well lived.
Stay Curious, Connected, And Grateful.
Ever the optimist, Connie wakes up wondering, “What fun thing will happen today?” She ends each day with intentional thoughts of gratitude. She believes in surrounding yourself with people who know things you don’t know. Embracing change and challenging the status quo have served her well through the years.
Music keeps Mary mentally sharp and emotionally grounded. She plays piano for residents in her community, choosing hymns that spark memories for individuals in the room. She has also written two books and invites others to inspire the next generation with your wisdom and stories.
Spending a little time with these remarkable women reminded me that joy is not accidental. It can be cultivated through gratitude, curiosity, connection, humor, and the courage to keep growing.
No matter what age you are.
Gretchen Muller is Director of Communications for Foster Group, where she engages with clients across multiple platforms to share thoughtful and practical financial insights.
