At 95 Years Young, Tippi Chronert Knows the Key to a Long Life and Managing Parkinson’s Disease

It’s said that wisdom comes with age. If that’s the case, Beverly  (Tippi) Chronert has it in spades. At 95 years of age, she’s lived a long and full life. 

Born in 1922 in Hollywood, California, Tippi worked toward a degree in physical education from USC, provided aid during World War II, enjoyed 70 years of marriage to Lee, a “Navy man,” and raised two beautiful children, Jan and Lanny. 

She’s proudly camped in 49 of the 50 states and had the distinct honor of leading the Burbank Badminton Club for five decades.  

When asked the key to living a long and happy life, Tippi will tell you it’s been her unwavering commitment to good health and physical fitness. She avoids coffee, soda, and alcohol, and rarely misses a workout. For Tippi, a healthy body and a healthy mind are inexorably tied. Indeed, she’s known by loved ones as the most optimistic person they’ve ever encountered. Tippi never complains or utters a negative word. 

So 10 years ago, when Tippi was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she didn’t let it get her down. She relied on her lifelong commitment to health and exercise to see her through the physical challenges she now faced. True to form, Tippi attends every single PEP4U exercise class at her local YMCA. “I would take classes seven days a week if they were available,” she says with enthusiasm. “The instructors are very patient, motivational and understanding. I always feel welcome.” 

As she battles the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Tippi is only further convinced of the critical role exercise plays in life. Rigorous physical activity has always served her well – lessening anxiety, promoting sleep and helping her maintain her trademark positive attitude. Now it helps ward off the pain and mobility challenges presented by Parkinson’s disease. 

Let Tippi’s commitment to her mental and physical well-being be an example for all of us. We can only hope to live as long and fully as this incredible woman. At PEP4U, we seek to make exercise classes available for free to people like Tippi who are fighting Parkinson’s disease. Your contribution today ensures these classes continue to be available to Tippi and others fighting the good fight.

* Our fourth profile in our series features Tippi Chronert, a vibrant 95 years young PEP4U gym member. Her great outlook on life is supported by her positive attitude towards maintaining fitness; a healthy mind; and a love of family.  She will be honored on Tuesday, July 3rd at 3:00 pm at the YMCA Gymnasium.

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