Living Life to the Fullest

The Member Spotlight first shone on AIM Directors Kees and Darlene Vandermey in the December 2021 issue of Living Well magazine. They continue to be an inspiration by raising money through sponsored cycling and by setting an example for staying fit and healthy at any age.

“A mission that God has placed in my heart is Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D),” Darlene stated. “Last year, our church group of nine Gale riders raised $3,530 for what used to be Ride for Refuge now called Journey for Hope.”1

The Vandermey’s cycling endeavors are also an ongoing effort to stay fit. “We set a riding goal of 2,022 kilometers in 2022 and actually made it to 2,025km,” Darlene affirmed. “Mondays we ride with a cycling club. Wednesdays and Fridays Kees and I ride on our own.”

Their prime biking months are April to October because of Canadian winters. The only real discomfort Darlene experienced while riding on chilly days was cold hands, so Kees bought her a pair of rechargeable, heated gloves. Problem solved!

On winter days when they cannot get out at all, Kees and Darlene exercise in their home gym, equipped with a treadmill, weights, and trainers for stationery cycling on their road bikes. “We’re still very physically active during the winter,” Darlene emphasized.

The Vandermeys take a wide variety of AIM products as an integral part of their nutritional intake. “On cycling days, I increase my RediBeets from 2 to 4 teaspoons in the Garden Trio for increased nitric oxide,” Darlene said. “And we both up our amounts of Peak Endurance in our water bottles for riding energy and stamina.”

AIM nutrition will help power their goal to cycle 2,023 km this year, including a special trip in September. “We’re planning a four-day tour of the NiagaraWelland area, cycling between 30 and 38 kilometers a day and staying in different hotels along the way,” Darlene exclaimed in a youthful voice that belies her age.

The example of health projected by the Vandermeys doesn’t go unnoticed. When Kees and Darlene were at a recent eye examination, their new optometrist said she could not believe they were both in their 70s and not on any medications. “We told her that we try to eat well and exercise,” Darlene explained. “We work at this because it just doesn't happen naturally.” And that’s the truth for us all.