Unfiltered Interview with Ulrike von der Groeben: Straight-Shooting on Life, Love, and Lamb of God
Pondering Over Her Own Funeral Arrangements. - Person expresses concerns about her forthcoming funeral arrangements.
Flippin' the Script
In an uncensored no-holds-barred interview, entertainment reporter ropes Ulrike von der Groeben (68) into a lively discussion about her personal life, aging, exercise, health struggles, and even her ideal funeral playlist. The former sports expert and RTL aktuell moderator, who retired in 2024 after 35 years, shares her thoughts about everything from her workout routine to her honest feelings about long COVID and the changes in her relationship with her husband.
So, Ulrike, you've always been quite the fitness enthusiast. What's your running and strength training regimen looking like these days?
Ulrike: Listen, I ain't one to slack off, that's for sure. Three days a week, I'll hit the pavement and log some miles, rain or shine. Weekly gym sessions are non-negotiable too – usually swinging a set of dumbbells at home, 'cause Pilates alone just don't cut it past a certain age. And let me tell ya, I'm savoring every moment of it, 'cause now I finally have the time! Sports keeps me healthy, keeps me young, and keeps my spirits up. I mean, sure, the first lines are creeping up on my face, but hey, at least the rest of me's still in good shape!
You've battled long COVID for a while. How are you feeling now, and has it impacted your exercise routine at all?
Ulrike: Man, COVID wore me down something awful. At first, just breathing was a struggle, and I couldn't even manage a decent jog. But I want you to know, I ain't one to wallow. And I'm thankful as hell every day that it's gotten easier for me, while I've heard stories of others being hit much harder. Right now, I'm feeling great again, almost like before.
How has your marriage to Alexander changed since you both stepped out of the workforce?
Ulrike: Me and Alex? We're still gonna fight over whose turn it is to wash the dishes, just like always. We've worked out a routine, and we stick to it. Breakfast together post-workout, still a thing. And dinner's a tad earlier these days, just because we've got more time on our hands to enjoy it. As long as I got a goodsunset and some good whiskey in front of me, I ain't complainin'.
In your upcoming book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!”, you reveal your preference for cremation. But it's a fact not many folks have made a living will or a last will and testament. Are you contemplating tackling that now?
Ulrike: Look, I ain't one to shy away from tough conversations. And it's not that I fear the topic or don't wanna deal with it – I just got a whole lot of stuff on my plate, and sometimes it's easier to push things aside for a bit. But things ain't gonna get done if I don't take action, right? So, I gonna make sure to get my shit together before it's too late, ain't that obvious?
Death and the afterlife – topics that have probably crossed your mind from time to time. How do you approach these subjects in your personal life?
Ulrike: Well, I ain't one to obsess over things out of my control. But I do think it's important to plan for the unexpected. After losing a few folks, some of 'em younger than me, it's got me reflectin' on life and my own mortality more than ever. I do the best I can to live healthily, and I'm a firm believer in enjoyin' the present while takin' care of the future. And when it comes to my funeral, well, I'm already thinkin' about the music I want played. It's like, if I have a say in the matter, I'd rather trashy metal than sonatas any day, and don't come at me with that "Mambo No. 5" bullshit.
Finally, looking back on your completed book, what advice would you like to offer up to others approaching retirement?
Ulrike: Here's what I would tell folks: Take a good, hard look at your life and figure out what really matters to you, and what's gonna bring you joy in the coming years. Spare some thought for the future, but don't lose sight of the now. Make a plan, work towards it, and don't be afraid to follow your dreams. 'Cause, listen, we only got one shot at this life. And if havin' a blast on a houseboat in Holland is what's on your bucket list, then hell yeah, go for it.
- Ulrike: "I'm not sure I'm right, but I believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even in retirement, is crucial for one's health and wellness."
- Ulrike: "My science-based understanding suggests that paying attention to both physical health-and-wellness and mental-health, such as regular exercise and mental stimulation, can play a key role in managing symptoms of aging."
- Ulrike: "Reflecting on my retirement, I've learned that remaining active in sports, regardless of age, can be a great way to stay engaged and happy."
- Ulrike: "Maybe it's due to my experiences with long COVID, but I've become more aware of the importance of pacing myself and adapting my exercise routine to accommodate health challenges."
- Ulrike: "In the process of writing my book, I've come to understand the significance of planning for the future, even topics like making a living will or last will and testament, in order to ensure a smooth transition through various life stages."
