Marge Knox
Name: Marge Knox
Age: 81
Resides: Tucson
Quote: “I believe that it’s right to be active.”
Background: Marge Knox came to Tucson in 2003 to complete her Ph.D. in Reading, Language and Culture at the University of Arizona. While at the U of A, she enjoyed walking on the campus and playing tennis. Two years ago, she fell and fractured her pelvic bone. She was recovering nicely, but then suffered a stroke. During her recuperation, she moved to Villa Hermosa, a retirement community. She worked with a therapist who helped her get back on her feet again. “I got to a place where I was walking with help, but not a long way,” she says.
When She’s Working Out: When her therapy was over, Knox knew she still needed to workout, so she worked with a personal trainer at Villa Hermosa’s gym. She trained three times a week one-on-one with the trainer for a while, but now works out in a group. Her workouts include walking on the treadmill and upper body work with weights. She also works on her flexibility and strength.
When She’s Not Working Out: Knox was an adjunct professor at the U of A, and she’s currently researching music and related literature of students ages 4 to 8.
Staying Motivated: Knox keeps herself motivated by her desire to do things herself. She is extremely self-motivated, so when doctors told her she could be “normal” again after her fall, she was determined to be just that. “My belief system helps me,” she says. “I always want to do things better.”
At Meal Time: “I have to eat what is prepared in [the Villa Hermosa] dining room,” says Knox. “Food is generally quite tasty, but not for diabetics, which is a problem.” She eats most of her meals in the dining room, being careful to avoid sugar and fat. “The chef tries to accommodate everyone,” says Knox. “But the dining is a public dining room.” She sometimes prepares her own breakfast in her apartment, or eats eggs in the dining room.
Goals: Know would like to continue her research and continue to improve physically. Before, a walker limited her movements. “Now, I’m free to go anywhere,” she says.