Older and Bolder

Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., formed the Durham Divas cheerleading squad shortly after beating colon cancer in 2004. Gooche formed the squad in an effort to promote physical wellbeing among local senior citizens and to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a cheerleader, which wasn’t achieved in her teenage years. In addition to being cheer captain of the squad, she’s an ambassador for the Durham Senior Games, an Olympic style event involving activities such as literary and visual arts, croquet, table tennis, basketball, swimming, cycling, track and field and more for those above the age of 50.

(Forward-right) Louise Gooche, 78, cheers at a Durham Divas rehearsal at the YMCA at American Tobacco in Durham, N.C., on Jan. 29, 2020. Gooche founded the Durham Divas in 2004 to promote healthy living among senior citizens after surviving colon cancer. Gooche held a lifelong wish to become a cheerleader, so she formed the squad after her dream wasn’t fufilled as a teenager.
Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., sings in the Gospel Choir’s rehearsal at St. Joseph’s AME Church in Durham N.C., on Jan. 29, 2020. Gooche sings in two choirs at the church and considers spirituality an important aspect of maintaining good health.
Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., attends a Durham Senior Games Ambassador meeting on Jan. 28, 2020. Gooche and other members discussed strategies for recruiting additional members to participate in the Durham Senior Games, a program dedicated to wellness in people age 50 and above. Participants play in sports and create art in the performing arts.
Dr. David Leidich treats Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., at the Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Durham, N.C. on Jan. 29, 2020. “Her mind is what keeps her young,” said Leidich during the visit. “She doesn’t age.”
Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., walks down the stairs at St. Joseph’s AME Church in Durham N.C., on Feb. 2, 2020. Gooche sings in two choirs at the church and considers spirituality an important aspect of maintaining good health. At this service, the church spent much of their time commemorating civil rights activists, such as Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of Black History Month.
Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., picks up a cantaloupe at the Sprouts Farmers Market in Durham N.C. Gooche is committed to living an active, healthy life and food is a part of that commitment. “You can’t beat the prices,” said Gooche.
(Front) Louise Gooche, 78, cheers at a Durham Divas rehearsal at the YMCA at American Tobacco in Durham, N.C., on Jan. 27, 2020. Gooche founded the Durham Divas in 2004 to promote healthy living among senior citizens after surviving colon cancer. Gooche held a lifelong wish to become a cheerleader, but never did as a teenager, so she fufilled her dream by founding the Durham Divas.
Louise Gooche, 78, of Durham N.C., prepares for a date on Jan. 31, 2020 in her home. She dressed as a flapper from the Roaring Twenties. “Getting older makes you bolder,” said Gooche about her outfit.