At 73, Pam Jackson's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and embracing life's challenges. Her path from a breast cancer diagnosis at 50 to becoming a national dragon boat athlete highlights a remarkable transformation. Through her dedication to physical activity, a vibrant community, and a commitment to lifelong learning, Pam has not only overcome adversity but has also redefined what's possible in later life, inspiring countless others to pursue their own health and wellness goals with an open mind and unwavering spirit.
Embracing a New Chapter: Dragon Boating and Community
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis at 50 was a profound turning point for Pam Jackson, leading her to seek a healthier lifestyle. Her decision to join Dragons Abreast, a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Despite having no prior experience in paddling, she was deeply moved by the strength and determination of her teammates, who shared similar life experiences. This new endeavor provided her with more than just a physical outlet; it offered a supportive sisterhood that inspired her to push her limits and embrace a newfound passion for the sport. The team's rigorous training, incorporating circuit training, pool paddling, and free-weight sessions, helped her build strength and master proper form, transforming her into a committed athlete.
The dragon boating community became a cornerstone of Pam's recovery and personal growth. She found immense empowerment in reclaiming her strength alongside other women who had battled illness, raising awareness about life after breast cancer through their resilience and hope. Her passion for paddling intensified, leading her to join a high-performance team. This elevated commitment saw her training become more intense, culminating in her representing the Canadian National Team in 2013 and 2015, at ages 60 and 63. Her story exemplifies how community support and the pursuit of new challenges can lead to remarkable achievements, fostering deep connections and an enduring sense of purpose.
A Lifestyle of Vitality: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset
At 73, Pam maintains an active and disciplined lifestyle, integrating regular paddling and strength training into her routine. Living in Toronto, she continues to paddle five days a week with the MakaKoa Outrigger club, while also prioritizing strength training to support muscle growth and bone health, particularly in light of an osteoporosis diagnosis. Her virtual training sessions with coach Julia Shelley involve four to five workouts weekly, focusing on a mix of upper body, lower body, and full-body exercises like goblet squats, walking lunges, and kettlebell swings, the latter specifically enhancing her explosive power for paddling. Additionally, weekly visits to OsteoStrong help stimulate bone growth and improve density, demonstrating her proactive approach to managing age-related health challenges.
Beyond physical exercise, Pam's holistic approach to health extends to nutrition, guided by her coach. She has significantly overhauled her diet, eliminating sugar, processed snacks, and alcohol, in favor of fresh, whole foods and increased protein intake to support muscle development. She now consumes five meals a day, aiming for 30 grams of protein per meal from sources like Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, hemp seeds, and eggs. Hydration is also a key focus, with a daily intake of three to four liters of water. Pam's unwavering commitment to an open mind, embracing new challenges like the HYROX race, and refusing to let age define her capabilities, underscore her philosophy that age is merely a number, and every day presents an opportunity to live life to the fullest.