The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is proud to celebrate the incredible members who continue to embody the spirit of lifelong learning, growth, and perseverance. This week, we shine a light on Ms. Jan Romeis, a long-standing member of both TRTA and the Humble RTA, whose story reminds us that strength, both physical and mental, has no age limit.
After a rewarding career in education, teaching mostly fourth grade, Jan could have easily settled into a quiet retirement. Instead, when life presented her with unexpected challenges, she chose a path of resilience.
A few years ago, Jan faced breast cancer and the difficult recovery that followed. “I lost muscle mass and weight, and I knew I had to rebuild my strength and get my health back,” she recalls. A dear friend, Catherine Kuehn—herself a remarkable 97-year-old powerlifter—encouraged Jan to join her in training with a local coach.
What began as a recovery plan quickly became a passion. “I started seeing my trainer twice a week,” Jan explains. “At first, I just wanted to regain my muscle mass, but I didn’t realize how much it was going to help me beyond that. Powerlifting improves bone density, balance, brain productivity, and stress. It helps everything! Even my golf game!”
Soon, Jan was participating in competitions. She earned two gold medals: one at a United States Powerlifting Association meet in Redmond, Oregon, and another at a National Powerlifting League event this past April. In both events, she competed in the 80+ age category. “I was the only one in my age group,” she laughs, “so really, I was competing against myself! But that’s the point.—It’s about doing better than you did before.”
Her personal best? A 137.5-pound deadlift! And she’s not slowing down anytime soon. “Yes, I’m still training and plan to keep competing as long as I’m healthy,” she says. “I’ll be at nationals in December!”
Jan’s passion is contagious, and her family couldn’t be prouder. “My husband drives me to every competition—he’s my biggest supporter,” she says. “My daughters and granddaughter come to cheer me on. My granddaughter even made a sign that said, ‘Go Mimi!’ Their encouragement keeps me motivated.”
Jan’s motivation extends beyond her family; she credits her friend Catherine Kuehn for being the spark that started it all. “Catherine doesn’t compete anymore, but she still trains. There’s even a documentary about her called Strong Grandma—it’s a 15-minute film that’s been shown at festivals and now has more than 90,000 views on YouTube. People should watch it—it’s so inspiring.”
For Jan, “powerlifting is better than medicine.” And she knows staying active is the secret to a happy, healthy retirement. Her message to other retirees? “Keep moving! You’ve got to use it or lose it.”
Her story is a living reminder that every day brings an opportunity to grow stronger—in body, mind, and spirit. Through her dedication, positivity, and example, Jan Romeis shows that the same qualities that made her an extraordinary teacher—discipline, curiosity, and care—are the very ones helping her thrive today.
We are inspired by Jan’s journey and encouraged to embrace the same message: stay active, stay connected, and keep lifting—each other and ourselves.
