
Cheerleader Grandmas are Shocking the World

- 04
- 10
- 2016
There are a lot of people who use aging as an excuse to avoid trying something new, whether that be learning a language, instrument, or sport.
While there are occasions when age can have an effect on a person’s ability to perform certain tasks, these Japanese ladies are proving that it’s never really too late. So stop making excuses for yourself.
The ladies in question are members of a cheerleader group called the “Pom Pom’s” and have a minimum membership age of 55. Some of the members, including the founder, are in their late 80’s.
The group of cheerleader grannies are led by Fumie Takino, an 84-year-old who was mesmerized by the sport of cheerleading when she first saw it in Japan. The flips, dancing, outfits, and music drew her to the activity, but she claims the friendships she made as a result of getting involved in cheerleading have kept her there for the past two decades.
Japan is well known for having a large elderly population. The average life expectancy for women is 87 years, and it’s 80 years for men. So finding an active group of elderly women interested in joining the PomPom’s is no real challenge for Takino.
She insists that her interesting hobby has helped slow down the effects of aging for both her and her team members, making them feel mentally and physically more able.
The group has been practicing for over 20 years and consists of more than 20 elderly women who sing, dance, and perform along to the song ‘Dreamgirls.’