Women In Wellness: Linda Borgmeyer On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Connection is a key indicator of life satisfaction. Research shows that it doesn’t have to be a deep, intimate connection to make a difference. I think that is why the Wisdom Warrior Challenge grew so quickly. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be part of a whole and the teams offer that benefit leading to improved mental health and a sense of belonging.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Borgmeyer.
Linda Borgmeyer is an occupational therapist, co-owner of Novoleo Therapy and Fitness, a home-based Physical and Occupational Therapy provider for Medicare, and founder of the Wisdom Warrior Challenge event.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
I hail from Liberty, New York, where I was born and raised as the tenth of eleven children. My family’s heritage is deeply rooted in Italy, with my grandparents having journeyed through Ellis Island to start a new life in America. Growing up in such a large family, I quickly learned the value of teamwork, the art of maintaining individuality within a group, and the importance of serving others.
A significant part of my childhood was shaped by my mother’s involvement in the “Fresh Air” program. Every summer, she opened our home to children from New York City, providing them with a two-week vacation in the countryside. Watching her, I learned the power of empathy and the joy of sharing. She embraced these children wholeheartedly, treating them as if they were her own and passionately sharing the beauty of rural life with them.
This upbringing, especially the lessons learned from my mother, seamlessly aligned with the principles of Occupational Therapy. When I was old enough, I took a job working with severely handicapped adults and children. This experience was not just a job; it felt like a calling. It was a natural progression from the values and skills I had developed during my formative years. All that I had learned from my mother about care, empathy, and service found a perfect fit in the field of Occupational Therapy, guiding me towards a career where I could continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most fascinating experiences since the beginning of my career was the inception of the non-profit, Wisdom Warrior Challenge . The WWC was born out of a desire to motivate seniors to stay active, build community, and celebrate them. It is an all inclusive senior “track” event that is held in senior living communities, 55+ communities, and local high schools. The “athletes” must be 50 +. The first event was developed in 2019 and held in 2020. As a healthcare provider working for a large corporation, I never anticipated the turn my career would take. The pivotal moment came after the first race in 2020 amidst the pandemic. Sylvia, a centenarian athlete approached me fresh from her victory in the 50-meter race, adorned with her gold medal. Sylvia approached me with a life-changing suggestion that I had never thought of.
“This has been a wonderful day. I can’t believe you thought of this. I want you to think about something — you pulled off an event during the pandemic when everyone was feeling overwhelmed and it was so successful. This is your calling, you can’t stay here,” she said, gently patting my shoulder as she walked away.
Her words resonated deeply with me, leading me to resign from my job and transform the Wisdom Warrior Challenge from a local event into a non-profit organization. This journey required me to navigate an entirely new corporate landscape. Alongside this, I founded a Medicare home-based therapy company, Novoleo Therapy and Fitness which quickly grew. This venture has been a resounding success, largely because it aligns with our passion for caring for seniors and it allows the patients to be seen in the comfort of their own home. This was particularly important during the pandemic.
Running my own company, which is managed by my daughter Ashlin, has afforded me the freedom to expand the Wisdom Warrior Challenge to its full potential. The most significant lesson from this journey is the value of heeding the wisdom of our elders. Sylvia’s perspective, from her ‘30,000-foot view’ of life, offered insights I couldn’t have seen on my own. Her advice was a gift, one that I cherish deeply. And as a testament to her spirit, Sylvia participated in the event at 103 in 2023, leaving us with her legacy just a few months later. Her words and actions are a constant reminder: Listen to your elders; they often see what we cannot. So, here’s to Sylvia, and the profound impact she had on my life and career.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
The Wisdom Warrior Challenge (WWC) is not just an event; it’s a movement that’s reshaping the narrative around aging and wellness. By focusing on adults aged 50 and above, WWC is addressing a crucial yet often overlooked demographic in the health and fitness world. Our society tends to associate athleticism and physical challenges with the young, but WWC is breaking these stereotypes, showing that age is not a barrier to physical achievement.
The impact of WWC goes beyond just physical health. It’s about community, mental health, and breaking down age-related stereotypes. By bringing these events to different locations across the US, we’re not just encouraging physical activity; we’re fostering a sense of community and belonging among seniors. This is crucial, especially considering the isolation many seniors face.
Our work at WWC is amplified by the support of our sponsors. Organizations like AARP have been instrumental in helping us reach a wider audience and provide better resources for our participants. Their support validates the importance of our mission and enables us to make a bigger impact. We firmly believe that ‘if you have a body, you are an athlete.’
Moreover, the involvement of local businesses like Fox Rehabilitation, AARPHCS Healthcare Solutions and ABI Absolute Best Insurance just to name a few adds a unique community flavor to our events. These partnerships are vital as they bring a local touch to our national initiative, making each event feel personal and community-driven.
The work we’re doing at WWC is creating a ripple effect. We’re not just organizing events; we’re building a community and changing perceptions about aging and wellness. Every sponsor, every local business, every participant, and every community we reach brings us closer to our goal of making WWC the best event for seniors in the nation. And none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and the communities that embrace our vision. So, a heartfelt thank you to all who have joined us on this journey. Let’s continue to make a difference, one step, one race, one community at a time.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
I’d be delighted to share some lifestyle tweaks. These tweaks are not just beneficial for participants in the Wisdom Warrior Challenge, but for anyone seeking a healthier, more vibrant life:
- Consistent Physical Activity:
One of our participants, a 86-year-old woman, who never exercised before, started with simple daily walks with her partner. Over time, she progressed to interval training that included walking fast for 30 seconds and slow for a minute. Gradually she increased the time she was walking fast keeping the slow walk the same. When she participated in the event, she jogged. This gradual increase in physical activity improved her cardiovascular health, mood, and overall energy levels.
2. Balanced Nutrition:
An 84-year-old participant, who was slightly overweight and headed for diabetes, made simple switch in his nutrition and started drinking water. He drank half of his weight in ounces daily. He also added more vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Within months, he saw a remarkable improvement in his blood sugar levels and weight management.
3. Connection:
Connection is a key indicator of life satisfaction. Research shows that it doesn’t have to be a deep, intimate connection to make a difference. I think that is why the Wisdom Warrior Challenge grew so quickly. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to be part of a whole and the teams offer that benefit leading to improved mental health and a sense of belonging.
4. Mental Stimulation:
A participant in her early 70s took up new hobbies like chess and puzzle-solving, alongside her physical activities. This not only kept her mind sharp but also brought a lot of joy and a sense of accomplishment.
5. Adequate Rest and Relaxation:
One quarter of the amount of time that you sleep should be “deep” sleep. This is easily measured with devices like Fit Bit and the Apple Watch. A dedicated 70-year-old runner in our group realized the importance of rest after experiencing burnout. She started incorporating regular rest days and mindfulness practices into her routine, which significantly improved her performance and overall wellbeing. Remember: The body repairs and gets stronger when at rest, not during training.
Each of these tweaks is a step towards a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. They’re not just about adding years to life, but life to years, especially as we age.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
That’s a great question and I accidentally did just that. Given that 34% of the U.S. population is over 50, and this number is increasing, starting a movement that maximizes wellness for this demographic could have a profound impact. The mission of the Wisdom Warrior Challenge, a movement that blends physical activity, social engagement, and accessible wellness education would be highly beneficial.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
I would have to say that mental health resonates most deeply with me.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for everyone. My sweet spot is for the 50+ age group. This demographic often faces unique challenges such as retirement transition, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and age-related health issues, all of which can significantly impact mental health. By prioritizing mental health, we can address a wide range of issues that affect not only the individual’s quality of life but also their ability to engage in physical activity and social interactions.
Furthermore, good mental health is foundational for motivating individuals to make positive lifestyle changes, whether it’s adopting a sustainable lifestyle, considering dietary changes like veganism, or adapting to environmental changes. When individuals are mentally healthy, they are more likely to have the energy, motivation, and resilience needed to engage with these important issues.
Ultimately, while sustainability, veganism, and environmental changes are all significant, focusing on mental health provides a foundational platform that empowers individuals to engage more effectively with these other important causes. It’s about creating a positive ripple effect, where improving mental health leads to greater engagement and impact in other areas of personal and community well-being.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
