Living Proof: Jackie Andrews

This South Bay senior shares what keeps her thriving in her golden years.

To know Jackie Andrews is to love her. The vivacious and healthy 85-year-old is especially beloved within her Redondo Beach Riviera neighborhood, where she has lived for more than 65 years with her husband, Wayne, and their family. In fact, most mornings exercisers on The Esplanade either know Jackie or have been greeted warmly by her.

“I met Jackie on The Esplanade during my Wednesday morning beach walks. She had always smiled and said hello to me, so one day I wrote her a note and we have since become friends,” says Jill Biggins Gerbracht, a marketing communications consultant at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. “She’s always surrounded by a group of people and is engaged in conversation with friends and strangers.”

When I met Jackie, she came out of her Hollywood Riviera home, hugged me and walked back in, going up and down the stairs easily and with great balance and posture. She was wearing stylish exercise shoes with her casual workout clothes and explained she had tennis that day.

Jackie Andrews with her husband of more than 70 years, Wayne.

Fit and clear-minded, Jackie appeared much younger than her age as she laughed and told me how she aims to walk 1.5 hours a day on The Esplanade. She also likes to meet with friends in town or browse in stores.

“I love people. I smile at everyone, even the grumpy ones,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t give up on them, as everyone needs a little smile in their lives.”

Jackie’s positivity may be a key to her thriving longevity, as having an optimistic outlook and continuing to make friends contribute to healthy living. In fact, it was Jackie’s friendliness that sparked the creation of her walking group of 14 people, self-named the Esplanados.

“It all started when I became friends with a woman I used to call the ‘dog treat lady’ who I kept asking, ‘How are you?’” Jackie explained. “We met more women [in town and on The Esplanade]. We now walk three times a week together and do potluck dinners every four weeks.”

Jackie Andrews and her walking group The Esplanados.

LOVE & CREATIVITY MATTERS

When Jackie isn’t walking with the Esplanados or playing tennis, she walks with Wayne, a fit 88-year-old. The two have been married for 70 years and survived the loss of two children. They continue to enjoy time with their son Chris and daughter Cari, and three grandsons.

Like his wife, Wayne has great balance, a good sense of humor and walks five times a week, though he doesn’t play tennis. The retired TRW engineer still “tinkers” and is a well-known woodworker and artist.

Wayne’s intricate carvings of Native American faces, golfers and Civil War scenes are remarkable in their realistic detail. His hand-carved rocking chairs have an Arts and Crafts aesthetic that is astounding and elegant.

After giving me a tour of some of his art and furniture, Jackie told me her husband, a former golfer, created a new golf club that allows for different heads and lengths. “He’s amazing,” she said.

To that, he laughed and replied that one of the reasons for their long and happy marriage is that Jackie usually knows where he is—in his shop tinkering. Plus, he added, “she puts up with me.”

On a more serious note, Wayne said that the day he met Jackie, he thought: “I don’t think I’ll ever meet anyone I’ll like more than her.” And with that sentiment, many others agree.  

Health is Wealth

Jackie, who spent time in Japan working as a planner for Mattel, became inspired by the Japanese morning ritual of hot water to aid in digestion. She is a believer in small meal portions and does not drink coffee, tea or alcohol, and has never smoked. Here is a glimpse of her and Wayne’s daily nutritional routine.

Breakfast: Hot water, followed by a piece of fruit, such as cantaloupe, and a bowl of dry granola. Jackie mixes different types of granolas together but doesn’t like milk. Wayne has one cup of coffee a day.

Lunch: A slice of turkey and a piece of cheese. Wayne put his on a tortilla.

Dinner: Chicken with a salad and fresh steamed veggies. Jackie makes a roast every other week.

Cheat meal: A Costco hot dog.