77% of adults age 50 and older want to age at home as long as possible (AARP). While much of the focus has been on modifying homes and managing costs, there is another piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked: building the strength and the confidence to stay at home. And for some, “home” may change over time. What matters is having the physical ability and personal confidence to live as independently and comfortably as possible–wherever that may be. What’s also often missed is this: strength and confidence go hand-in-hand. One fuels the other and both are essential for empowered aging.
Enter Kathryn “Kathy” O’Neel Webster, founder of ShipShape Rhode Island whose personal career journey, and a chance meeting with a 68 year old woman named Maxine, sparked what would become a quiet movement of empowerment that has helped older adults across Rhode Island build the strength and confidence to age on their own terms–one person at a time.
This unlikely pair met at a turning point in Kathy’s life. After 30 years into her career as a fitness and health coach focused on employee wellness, Kathy was leading an outdoor class in Newport when a mother and daughter stopped to watch. “They were curious about what I was doing,” Kathy recalls. “Little did I know that Maxine would become my first older adult client.”
“This chance encounter shifted my entire perspective. Working with Maxine opened my eyes to the unmet needs of older adults, many of whom had limited access to this type of support.” What began as a single class quickly grew through word of mouth. Maxine introduced Kathy to friends and with each new client, the impact deepened. “I started to see more than physical gains,” she recalls. “I saw confidence grow. And more importantly, I formed real connections–deep and lasting friendships that I did not see when I was working on employee wellness plans,” Kathy says. “People were just too busy to focus on what was really happening.” With her older clients, she found something different. “There was a depth to connect and wisdom to share. Together we built bonds that helped make the world feel bigger for both of us.”
Kathy’s approach goes beyond strength. Each new client begins with a comprehensive, in-home consultation focused on understanding their individual goals and expectations.
“Many older adults aren’t sure what their goals are,” Kathy explains. “Through conversation, we uncover what they fear, what they miss and what they may no longer believe they can do. That opens the door to identify short and long term goals–often ones they hadn’t considered possible.”
“Being active looks different for everyone,” Kathy says. “Aging gracefully is defined by the individual.”
Now 64, and expecting her first grandchild, Kathy weaves in her own goals and routines. “I want to be able to get on the ground, play, swing on monkey bars, and move with ease. That means building and maintaining the strength to do that. I encourage my clients to do the same based on what matters most to them.”
Many of her clients have experienced a fall, and with that comes fear. Fear of falling again. Fear of losing independence or even fear of going outdoors. Kathy helps them gently rebuild strength and confidence at home, so they can continue to live to their fullest potential, at whatever stage they’re in.
“I’ve worked with clients who want to keep line dancing, others who simply want to climb stairs without hesitation. Of course, home modifications like grab bars or moving the washer and dryer to the first floor can help, but staying physically prepared is just as important, if not more. It’s about making smart adjustments and maximizing the strength you have–at any age.”
Today, Kathy’s clients span their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond–each with their own definition of what it means to stay strong, capable, and in control.
And nearly 10-years later, Maxine still “pops in and out” of Kathy’s life. She continues to enjoy an active lifestyle and reaches out whenever she feels the need to freshen up her routine.
Kathy and Maxine’s connection is a reminder that friendship and relationships build strength and confidence, and affirm we’re in it together. With the right support, each of us can shape our own aging journey with movement, meaning, and lasting connection.
To learn more about ShipShape RI visit ShipShapeRI.com.
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador. She helps older adults and families across Rhode Island navigate the complex decisions that come with aging–whether that means staying safely at home or transitioning to senior living. With deep expertise and a personal approach, she believes that each person’s values and priorities should shape the path ahead. Helen connects people to trusted resources that support aging well at any stage–helping them take meaningful steps to what matters most. Learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.
