The following is an extended version of an article from the latest edition of UMC's engage! Magazine
By Jacquie Miller, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing, UMC
For Ann Bain, a life in motion has never really been optional; it’s simply who she is.
Even now, as a resident of Bristol Glen, UMC's retirement community in Newton, NJ, her days are shaped by activity: walking regularly, playing golf, and participating in fitness classes. It’s a rhythm that traces all the way back to her childhood and a simple belief instilled by her father: “Sound body, sound mind," or the philosophy that keeping the body active is essential to keeping the mind sharp.
“We did everything,” Ann recalls. “My brothers and I swam, ran—we were always active. I was hyperactive. I loved being active.”
As part of a military family, Ann’s childhood was anything but stationary. Despite the frequent moves (14 school changes!), she and her siblings were encouraged to participate in many sports and activities. "We did everything," Ann recalls. "I loved being active. I was hyperactive."
While living in Hong Kong, she developed a passion for field hockey. There, she learned a faster, more aggressive style of play that was the most popular. That style didn't quite translate when she moved to the U.S. as a sophomore in high school, however.
“I played such an aggressive game that all they did was whistle at me and penalize me,” she says with a laugh. “I realized that if I wanted to keep playing over here, I had to learn the American style—it was a much milder game.”
This ability to adapt would follow her throughout her life in sports.
Although Ann was introduced to tennis at a young age, it wasn’t until she wanted to share the game with her daughter that she truly immersed herself in the sport. “I just rounded up seven of her friends, got a book, and started teaching them,” she explains. “That’s how I got hooked.”
What began on public tennis courts in Branchville quickly grew into something much larger. Ann became a certified tennis professional, eventually serving as a head tennis pro and general manager at clubs in New Jersey and Vermont. She built a career that spanned 40 years and coached players of all ages and abilities, including several who ranked among the top in New Jersey.
But for Ann, the most meaningful moments weren’t measured in rankings.
Looking back over all the students she coached, one stands out in particular: a bullied young boy with physical disabilities who found confidence and joy on the court. “That was one of my most satisfying experiences,” she says. “You get a lot of satisfaction that’s not necessarily trophies.”
Her career also unfolded during a time of significant change for women in sports. “We were pre–Billie Jean King,” Ann explains. “There were no women officers and we didn’t have much standing.” After arranging a meeting with other women in the field to explore creating a Women's Association within the larger USTA , she recalls a pivotal moment: “When we came out of that meeting, all the officers were waiting for us and they were nervous. It was almost inconceivable because we never felt we'd held any power, but we realized they were afraid of us.”
Change followed quickly. “It shifted very rapidly around the time Billie Jean King came,” she says. “Thank God it did.”
While macular degeneration has ended her ability to play tennis today, Ann’s commitment to staying active hasn’t wavered. She continues to walk, play golf, and participate in fitness classes—often logging thousands of steps a day.
Just as important as staying active, she believes, is staying connected.
She credits a fellow Bristol Glen resident, Abby, with offering words of wisdom that she lives by: “Keep your old friends and add new ones.” Ann still meets longtime friends for walks and golf, while also building new relationships within her senior living community.
Her desire to form new friendships played a key role in her decision to move to Bristol Glen. “I wanted to have a plan for the future,” she explains, noting the importance of community, support, and connection for older adults as their needs change over time.
Access to structured fitness has also made a difference in her daily life. Ann regularly participates in classes led by the community’s physical therapist, Miles, who works with residents at all ability levels. “Everyone can do something,” she says. “If you need to modify, Miles helps you modify—and that’s fine. Everyone should participate in some kind of physical activity, no matter what.”
It’s a belief she has carried through every stage of her life, and one she continues to live out each day.
