Annette Stevenson of Jacksonville, Florida, didn’t start running until she was 69. Now 76, she never imagined competing at a national level. “It evolved, and it kept evolving, and now I’m here.”
From left to right, Jamila, Annette, and Jocelina at Mile for the Ages.
For the debut of the Mile for the Ages at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, a new community run/walk open to all ages, Annette Stevenson, 76, wasn’t alone. Her niece, Jocelina Joiner, 55, of Minnesota, and great-niece, Jamila Joiner, 30, of Chicago, drove to Des Moines to surprise and support her.
“She didn’t know we were here,” Jocelina Joiner said, smiling. “We came down because this is a huge honor. We wanted to make sure that she had support, and we wanted to let her know we’re very proud of her.”
The Mile for the Ages, designed to unite generations through movement, perfectly embodied the spirit of the Stevenson-Joiner women. For Annette, running is now indispensable. “Once you get into something like this, it’s almost like an addiction,” she explained. “If you don’t do it, you don’t feel good. It’s a survival technique.”
This passion resonates across the family. Jocelina, an avid walker, shares a similar drive. “I can’t miss a day doing it, because it makes me feel good. It clears my mind, and it keeps me healthy,” she said. Jamila, 30, noted the social benefits. “I’ve made a lot of friends from being active too. It’s something fun to meet people and also keep yourself healthy.”
Annette, joyful poses proudly with her medal after completing the Mile for the Ages event at the 2025 National Senior Games.
Annette’s dedication has a powerful ripple effect. “She’s an inspiration to our whole family,” Jocelina emphasized, describing a common family thought: “Wow, she’s amazing.”
Annette’s message is simple: movement is for everyone. “Most people I talk to say that I couldn’t do anything like this, and I tell them, yes, you can. Do you have legs? Can you walk?” she challenged. “It’s not all about running and racing. It’s just about keep moving.”
The family’s unified advice is clear: just start moving. “Always have something to look forward to when you get out of bed,” Annette advised. “Anybody can do it. Anybody.” The Stevenson-Joiner family, spanning three generations, stands as a vibrant testament to the Mile for the Ages – a living example of how movement strengthens family bonds and promotes health.
By: Danielle Brown
