There was one more challenge 79-year-old Anne Thibodeaux was determined to complete — walking up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the location of the well-known scene in the movie “Rocky” where the fictional boxer, played by Sylvester Stallone, runs up the steps as part of his training.
And Thibodeaux did it.
“When I got up those stairs, I imitated the same scene when ‘Rocky’ raised his arms in victory,” Thibodeaux said. “I felt great.”
Even years before, though, Thibodeaux, who lives in New Orleans, was already living an active life, taking more than 11 online fitness classes over six days a week since 2014 through the nationwide SilverSneakers program.
Because of her dedication to fitness as well as her ability to motivate older adults and serve as a role model, she recently received the 2025 SilverSneakers Member of the Year Activity Award.
“When I found out I was chosen, I was speechless,” said Thibodeaux, who was selected for the award from more than 800 nominees nationwide. “People who know me know that I have never been speechless my entire life. It was a very emotional moment for me.”
SilverSneakers, managed by Tivity Health Inc., partners with several health care companies including Humana, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. These providers work with SilverSneakers to offer a network of gyms, community centers and fitness classes at low or no cost.
The program is open to anyone 65 and older enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.
Thibodeaux said the people she works out with are a close-knit family.
“We not only take exercise classes but spend time together,” Thibodeaux said. “We go out for lunch, play Bunco, have a book club and take tours of local interests. We are like an extended family, looking after each other and supporting each other.”
Thibodeaux is a retired elementary school teacher.
“My job now is to prepare myself to keep living my best life,” Thibodeaux said, “and a big portion of that is exercise.”
Deana Palmisano-Lejarza is Thibodeaux’s instructor.
“Anne has so much stamina,” Palmisano-Lejarza said. “I am certain she can do just about anything.
“Anne is also a very caring and loving person who brings so much positivity to the groups she exercises with and is a role model to many people.”
In the 1930 American folktale “The Little Engine That Could” by Arnold Munk, a familiar line reads “I think I can, I think can,” a metaphor for reaching new challenges.
And that is exactly what Thibodeaux intends to do.
“I realize that at 79, there are things I can’t do anymore,” Thibodeaux said. “But I feel like I still have a lot of life left in me. I have places to go, and I want to experience new things.
“I am someone who never gives up. And as I go along, I am writing my own story.”