is not your run-of-the-miLL grandma BY CRYSTAL WOOD JACKIE LEE total PACKAGE number of serious events later in life, including emergency gall-bladder sur- gery, a car-jacking and a mugging in which she wrestled the gun away from the assailant. '" could still wrestle a mugger today if he was foolish enough to try it," Jackie says with determina- tion. "I do believe you can overcome just about anything. I rehabilitated myself from these events, so I know I can reha- bilitate other people too." 'n addition to her private clients, Jackie teaches two yoga classes each week and an exercise class at OASIS, a cultural and wellness center for older adults, Jackie still finds time to get to the gym herself six times a week, alternating upper-bodyworkouts with legs and abs. For cardiovascular exer- cise, Jackie enjoys "jogging with her dog, Chynna. Regular exercise is vital to Jackie, who is an active participant in fitness competitions. For five years, she com- peted in the Miss Senior America of California pageant. She also partici- pates in regular competitions where there is no seniors division, so she often finds herself beside women in their 20s and 30s when she competes in the figure and bodybuilding classes. Though it can be difficult competing about the benefits of fitness. She trav- els throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley to help her clients, most of whom are older adults and people with disabilities, including one multiple sclerosis victim who requires a wheelchair. "I believe every- one deserves a quality life," Jackie says. "I can help them attain that." Jackie feels she has something to share with her clients, as she overcame not only her childhood ailments, but a * ----------------------------------1 t I• ··1 love jokes and I ,( love laughter. Every I day I make a point of ! laughing a little:' ! • I I . I ~-------------------------------------~ a young age. As a child, she suffered from Reynaud's Syndrome, a condition that leaves the body incapable of regu- lating temperature. In addition, she endured migraine headaches, thyroid deficiencies, pernicious anemia and allergies to dairy, dust and pollen. "One of these is a concern in itself, but com- bined, it's all quite serious," Jackie says. "I've learned to control these problems through exercise, good nutrition and a positive attitude." Today, through her job as a per- sonal trainer, Jackie teaches others Jackie Lee doesn't know the meaning of the word retire- ment, At 71, she lives a busier life than most people even half her age, and is showing no signs of slowing down, The Mar Vista, California, resident is a personal trainer, fitness competitor, actress, poet, mother, grandmother and much more, Staying busy is very important to her. "For me, the idea of retiring is like jumping in your grave," Jackie says, Jackie's determination to live an active lifestyle was instilled in her from 74 march 2005 Dxygenmag.com