Woman, 86, Who Survived World War II, Reveals Her Secrets to a Long Life, and How an Active Lifestyle Plays a Major Role

Summary: Meet Ecris Williams, an 86-year-old woman who proves it is never too late to get moving. Born in Berlin in 1938, she survived World War II, though sadly her parents did not. After moving to the U.S. and raising a family, a German Olympian inspired her to start exercising by telling her to just put one foot in front of the other. Today, Ecris lifts weights, runs up to six miles, and teaches water aerobics twice a week in Virginia. Because she was born a preemie and has a congenital heart defect, she exercises to keep her heart strong and healthy. Even though she jokes that she "looks like a prune," her active life keeps her body in great shape. Her advice to anyone making excuses? It is mind over matter, so be thankful for every day and get moving!

For more details, see people at people.com/woman-86-launched-active-lifestyle-thanks-to-olympian-after-surviving-world-war-ii-11922821 (opens in new tab)