At 80, Linda Andrews embraces each day with gratitude and joy. Between her SilverSneakers workouts at the Kroc Center, tending to her garden, volunteering at the Episcopal Bookshop, and staying active with her church, she has built a life full of activity and community. “Every day is enjoyed to the fullest,” she emphasized.

She’s the first to acknowledge that reaching this point has been hard-won because four years ago, Linda’s life took an unexpected turn.

A life-changing moment
On April 19, 2021, Andrews went through her usual routine — exercise in the morning and a meeting later in the day. That night, she developed worsening indigestion-like symptoms, and by morning, she was struggling to breathe. She called 911, and doctors at Methodist University Hospital quickly realized she was in the middle of a major heart attack.

The next day, she underwent open-heart surgery and a triple bypass. “I remember apologizing to my medical team for taking up their time,” she remarked. “I still thought I had acid reflux. But they were saving my life.”

Recovery was difficult. With the support of her family, she gradually moved from a walker to a cane and began rebuilding her strength. “Walking around the neighborhood was my favorite exercise. I finally felt like I was making some progress,” Andrews reflected.

Within three months, she entered cardiac rehab at St. Francis, where structured exercise and support gave her the confidence to return to her SilverSneakers community. Eleven months after her heart attack, an echocardiogram showed her heart had returned to normal function — an incredible milestone that highlights her persistence and discipline.

Facing another surgery
Andrews’s health journey didn’t stop there. Having battled osteoarthritis since her late 40s, she had already undergone hip and knee replacements. “All were successful and helped me continue my active lifestyle,” she pointed out. “I wasn’t surprised when the time came for a shoulder replacement.”

She turned to Dr. Throckmorton at Campbell Clinic, who, she said, “explained the surgery, what to expect, and patiently answered all my questions. I felt like I was in good hands.” With her cardiologist’s approval, she underwent shoulder replacement surgery. “Everything went well, and I was on the way home by 1 p.m. that day,” Andrews noted.

Recovery required careful steps — six weeks in a sling, followed by a home physical therapy program. At the three-month mark, she began working with a Campbell Clinic therapist, who helped her safely rebuild strength and mobility. “We discussed my goals, and they created the perfect PT plan,” Andrews recalled. “I followed his instructions, and my shoulder strength and flexibility returned. Today, my shoulder is perfect!”

The role of fitness
Andrews’s doctors credit her smooth recoveries to her exercise routine, and she agrees. After Andrews’s heart attack, she was back at the Kroc Center within six months; after her shoulder replacement, about five months.

SilverSneakers has been central to her journey. “It is a wonderful program for seniors. We are like one big happy family,” she shared. Instructors make the classes fun and adaptable, offering both seated and standing options while incorporating weights, resistance bands, and aerobic movement.

“The music makes you want to move,” Andrews remarked. “It’s a complete workout that improves balance and overall health.”

Recently, the group set a record with 82 participants — a reflection of its growing popularity.

Healthy aging
For Andrews, healthy aging comes down to the advice that her cardiologist gave her after surgery: Eat well, take your medication, and exercise regularly, and you’ll live a long life. “That’s valuable advice for anyone recovering from a major surgery or a health challenge,” she noted.

Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks, but her outlook remains steady. “The last four years have been a journey, and I am blessed to be here,” she said. And as for celebrating life? Andrews has a simple ritual: “Most days, I enjoy a nice glass of wine.”

Andrews’s story is a testament to the power of movement, community, and determination. She reminds all of us that with the right mindset and support, we can face life’s challenges and emerge stronger than before.

By Beth Wilson
Photo by Tindall Stephens