Meet the WELLAWARE Fitness Center’s “Social Director”

By Madison Burke­

If you work out at Boone Hospital’s WELLAWARE Fitness Center, chances are you know Lois Sellmeyer.  Lois is 92 and has worked out at the gym three days a week for the last 17 years. She is known for her outgoing and friendly demeanor and has made lots of friends during her time at the gym. She’s even been nicknamed the “social director” by WELLAWARE staff. 

“We’re really like a family there. Everybody cares about each other and we get worried if somebody doesn’t make it in one day,” Lois says. 

Lois began going to the gym when her doctor recommended that she get more active to improve her arthritis. 

“I didn’t know when I started that I was going to like it so much,” she says. “I really enjoy exercising.”

A regular visit to the gym for Lois consists of 45 minutes of cardio — 15 minutes on three different cardio machines. 

“I credit my longevity to my exercise,” Lois says. “It also has really helped me manage my arthritis. It makes it more livable.” –

Lois hasn’t just made friends with other gym members, she has also become close to WELLAWARE staff, particularly married couple Nicky and Jeff Zimmermann. 

“I met Lois when I started working at WELLAWARE 10 years ago,” Nicky says. “Lois is very outgoing and welcomed me as a new staff member. She’s a friendly and direct person and will tell you what she’s thinking.”

Ever since they met, Lois has become a regular at the Zimmermann home. 

“They have twin boys that are so cute,” Lois says. “I love going over to their home and having them to mine. They are good friends.” 

Nicky says she’s seen the impact exercise has had on Lois’s life and says Lois is a great example of how beneficial exercise can be to seniors. 

“Exercise has definitely kept her body stronger than if she didn’t exercise, and the socializing is great because Lois has met so many people over the years,” Nicky says. “I attended Lois’s 85th birthday party and I’m looking forward to her 95th in three years.”