Red Dirt Diaries: Metro 89-Year-Old Teaches & Inspires In Workout Class

A Del City woman's passion is inspiring others.

Doris McLaughlin, 89, has been a proven motivator for a very long time.

She has taught an exercise class for the past 25 years.

“I've always been physically fit,” says McLaughlin.

For more than 10 years she's been leading her class at the Sunny Lane Baptist Church.

Ladies, most of them elderly, from eight different churches participate three times a week.

“It's very seldom that we miss a class,” says McLaughlin.

The exercise classes have helped according to participants.

“He told me if I didn't move and keep active, I'd be in a wheelchair,” said 89-year-old Dot Davis about what her doctor told her.

But just as important as the stretches and weights are the friendships made during the classes.

“I've lost my husband, live alone and to have people come and give you hugs and ‘It's so glad to see you' and smiles means everything to me,” added Davis.

McLaughlin plans to teach the classes for several more years.

“God willing,” she said.

We're always looking for unique Oklahomans and places. If you have a story to tell, go to our Red Dirt Diaries page and fill out the form.