Welcome back to this special series featuring the stories of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they pursue their fitness goals in 2020. You can find all of our Sponsored Athletes’ stories here.
Liliana Cortez is a freelance bodyworker (someone who uses therapeutic or personal development techniques that involve working with the human body). She’s sharing how years of focusing on her health — through unique and alternative methods — have allowed her to conquer obstacles, and create community. Here’s her story:
“With current events being what they are at present, I’ve written and rewritten this quite a few times. What has come up for me repeatedly is that ‘Being at peace has been, and is, my strength.’ I’ve spent the last 50 of my 76 years in pursuit of the best version of me.
My life has followed a path of curiosity, discovery, and recovery. The decision to become a vegetarian in my 20s, and traveling intensively, set me off on a different trajectory. In my travels, I learned about the traditions, customs, and habits of various cultures, and later, their health practices. This interested me, having been raised in a home where natural remedies were the norm.
Focusing on my own health drew me to the studies of Eastern medicine: Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and anything to do with body and movement. The realization that my health was my responsibility became my path; my life…
My studies of ancient traditions and yoga have been the seeds from which has blossomed a fulfilled life of constant discovery and unceasing amazement. It’s been about me and my evolution — learning, by practice, that a well-cared-for vessel will serve you, and others as well.
A dramatic decision
At the age of 50, (much to my surprise) I had to make a huge unexpected decision: I was diagnosed with a fibroid and opted not to go through a surgical procedure. In doing so, I had to tap into everything I had absorbed in the past. This culmination of experience and knowledge has allowed me to be much more present in my healing now. 
Yoga-based exercises (at right) have kept me supple and active well into my 70s. I walk several miles daily, eat consciously, and most recently, am following an intermittent fasting regime. I am feeling great, present, strong, and ready to serve.
“My life has followed a path of curiosity, discovery, and recovery.”
-Liliana Cortez
Having taken my good health almost for granted, I realized I could serve others by sharing my personal experience of well-being. I’m presently working out with family and friends from different countries and loving it. We’re using different social media channels, messaging apps, and video chat platforms, like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom, for now…
As I become more tech-savvy, it has awakened a curiosity in me, asking, ‘Where else can I take my feel-good potential and serve my fellow elder peers?’ I’ve never really set goals, per se — now I do! My dedication to my personal self-care routine has developed a general feeling of wellness and stamina, which by now, can only be completed by sharing it.”
COMMENTS
19 responses to “Liliana Cortez, 76: Strong and Ready to Serve”
Sounds fantastic Liliana. As a bodywork to in the Montreal area it is encouraging to hear of older colleagues still working their stuff. What else çan we look forward to from you at Senior Planet!!!! Jp
This is amazing. I am doing lots of walks and Zumba. But need to do more.
So wonderful to read this article by Liliana. I just completed my yoga 200-hr certification at 65 years old. I feel great and happy I did it.
Oh Sheila that’s wonderful. I’m 59 and contemplating doing it. I need a good referral. Janice
The great and always relevant Llliana Cortez! Lilliana has taught me all I know today about the strength of mind over body, choosing peace over turmoil. She has been a mentor for many many years. Lilliana has her finger on the pulse of the quest of living a good Life. Shari Upbin
Wonderful article and practice. I wish you would share more about yourAyurveda. This is interesting to me. Thank you for sharing.
Your story is very empowering! I’m looking forward to attend your class! Hope it will be soon! Thanks
How can I connect with Lilian? I am 74, walk for exercise but often need motivation and mental support.
Email me, I’ll get back to U.
Would you please share your email address with me too?
Your story is very enlightening and encouraging. I’m interested in your yoga exercises and suggestions of menus. I’ve been doing intermittent fasting for little over a year now.
Thank you,
Judy
Hi Lilliana, you are awesome. I try to do some exercise and walking. I have osteoarthritis in my knees. I do yoga in the chair with Linda on senior planet website. What else do you think I should try? God bless you. You are an inspiration to me. Thank You.
THANKS FOR THIS WONDERFUL ENCOURAGEMENT. I can not wait to be able to physically attend an interaction w/Lilliana. What she does sounds very encouraging surrounding what I NEED to do for myself.
Knowing Liliana for most of my entire life, I can attest she has a gift. She truly is concerned about health and well being. She has lived a very Versatel lifestyle and has traveled extensively. She is an example of what to thrive for as you come into those golden years. I wish her success and I very proud of her accomplishments.
Liliana is an inspiration and life mentor! She is generous with her time and attention wanting everyone to become the best version of themselves.
She teaches by example. Love her dearly as a teacher and friend!
✳✳
Liliana is a radiant and sparkling example of what she shares with all of us. I’m so grateful!
Wow…girl you rock!! I’m so proud to know you.
Love your wonderful role modelling for all.
xxxxooooxx Geri
I’ve known her all of my life and I attest that this Is who she is. If you want to see improvement in the way you handle your body, join her in a joint adventure.
I adore this woman….Thank you. You inspire me and everyone who meets you. xoxoxoxoxoxox
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