THOMASVILLE- Hilda Swaim is not your average 78-year-old. While she may live in an assisted living facility, she has proved to both her peers and caretakers that life does not slow down as you age, it only becomes more glamorous.

Swaim returned this past weekend from competing in the Ms. Georgia Healthcare Association Pageant in Macon, where she was named 4th runner up.

In order to partake in the Ms. Georgia Healthcare Association Pageant, Swaim had to first compete in the Harborview Thomasville pageant.

She, along with four other residents, were thrilled to take part in the inaugural beauty contest.

Executive Director of Harborview Thomasville Carolyn Friday said she was approached by Swaim about the idea of the pageant, which serves as a way to show that regardless of where one lives, they can still be active. Harborview Thomasville currently hosts a Christmas pageant, along with a prom in the spring, so the idea of another fun activity to get residents involved was exciting to Friday.

“We like to have things that help our residents feel like they are a part of the community,” she said. “That’s why I liked this pageant, its whole purpose is to show there is a lot going on with people who still need assistance.”

Swaim is the prime example of a go-getter at her age.

She is currently the volunteer receptionist at Harborview, as well as the President of the Resident Council and assists in planning activities with the Activities Director.

For Swaim though, pageants were a whole new arena to represent her generation.

“I had never competed in a pageant before, even growing up,” she said.

Despite never competing, Swaim shined at the pageant and loved every second of the spotlight.

“It was the best day I’d had in a long time,” she beamed. “Everybody involved in the pageant was super nice and helped. I also spent the day with my kids, which was amazing. It was the first time we did that in years. It was just an all around great experience.”

The experience allowed Swaim to take in all of the glitz and glamour of a real pageant. She had her hair done, along with her makeup and purchased a new dress for the occasion.

“I got to go on a shopping trip, which was a lot of fun, but I started to get a little concerned when I couldn’t find the dress I wanted, but then it popped out at me,” Swaim recalled.

While the pageant did not consist of a typical talent portion or swim suit contest, Swaim was required to answer an on-stage question about her activities at Harborview and showcase her ability to interact with others as the representative of the Georgia Healthcare Association.

Swaim said she was not nervous during the on-stage question, but did get some nerves when the top 5 contestants were announced, as she was the last one called.

“My hope was to make it to the top 5, so I started getting a little nervous then,” she said.

Swaim met her goal and made the top 5, eventually being named 4th runner up. When asked if she would compete again next year in hopes of being crowned the winner, Swaim said she was unsure, as she would love to see some of her fellow ladies at Harborview compete.

“I would love for them to have this opportunity to represent Harborview,” she said. “I hope this will encourage some of them to go for it.”

Swaim also hopes her placement brings attention to Harborview and the multiple activities that take place.

“I hope people see the staff do care about us and want the best for us,” she concluded.

Friday applauded Swaim for her continuous representation of Harborview and said this is definitely something the residence hopes to do again next year as it brought a new camaraderie to the staff and occupants of Harborview.