South Florida Grandma Starts Boxing to Stay Fit and Healthy

A quiet retirement routine was never part of the plan for Frances Landolina, a 96-year-old resident in South Florida who keeps surprising those around her. At Independence Hall assisted living facility in Wilton Manors, her days now include something few would expect at her age—boxing classes.

What started as a simple activity for movement has turned into a weekly highlight filled with energy, laughter, and determination, as shared in a 7Spotlight report by Heather Walker and Darcelle Hall.

Frances Landolina brings a lifetime of experience into every day. Originally from Maine, she spent 40 years working as a pediatric nurse before moving to South Florida. The shift brought a major change in climate and lifestyle.

Frances Landolina once noted with a light tone, “Quite a difference in the weather!”

For the past five years, she has lived at Independence Hall, where her routine began to take shape in new and unexpected ways.

Knitting Needles to Boxing Gloves

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Life at the facility first introduced Frances to a calm and creative knitting circle. Residents gathered regularly to create handmade items for babies, adding warmth and purpose to their time together.

Frances Landolina explained the group’s work, saying:
“Some of the ladies do blankets for babies. Some of us do baby jackets, baby bonnets.”

Knitting became a steady part of her schedule, but staying seated all day never felt like enough.

While many expected her hands to stay busy with yarn, Frances surprised everyone by joining a boxing fitness class at the facility. The reaction from family and friends came with disbelief and laughter.

Frances shared: “They expect to see me with a knitting needle, not a boxing glove!” and also added, “And they were all laughing, you know. It’s – they don’t expect to see me in boxing gloves.”

Each week, she shows up ready for training, making her presence a familiar sight in the class.

Ali Rivero, one of the trainers, described her consistency clearly: “So she’s always there. Every time we have the class, she’s there!”

The boxing sessions are guided by therapists from Stellar Physical Therapy and Wellness, focusing on safe movement and functional strength for seniors.

Ali Rivero explained the structure of the training: “We’re working on the hand-eye coordination. You can see we’re having them stand, sit, so a lot of balance.”

The sessions are designed to support stability and reduce fall risks, which become more common with age. Rivero also pointed out: “Once we hit that 65, you know, they’re prone to falling. We start losing that muscle mass, so we need to keep them active and sharp.”

Strength, Laughter, and Daily Wins

Instagram | @wsvn | Frances honors her late husband with joyful memories as she stays active and full of life.

For Frances, boxing quickly became more than exercise. It turned into a way to stay alert, active, and engaged.

Frances shared her perspective simply: “Well, you have to pay attention to what you’re doing.”

She also became one of the most recognized participants in the class, often described as a standout example of staying active in later years. Ali Rivero referred to her as: “She’s like the VIP. She is what we call the perfect example of keep moving, you know. Longevity. That’s what we strive for.”

Physically, she has noticed improvements, especially with her shoulder concerns. Frances said: “Well, I have the shoulder that gives me trouble, so I think it keeps my arms working a little better and I hope for the best.”

Beyond physical strength, the class adds something even more valuable—joy. Frances, who lost her husband years ago, sometimes reflects on what he might think of her new hobby.

“He’d laugh; maybe we’d box together!”

Frances Landolina continues to challenge expectations at 96, balancing knitting sessions with boxing gloves in hand. As she approaches her 97th birthday next month, plans remain simple yet meaningful—stitching baby items and stepping back into the boxing ring.

Her routine reflects a steady commitment to staying active, engaged, and present in everyday life.