Aging Gracefully
Oct 31, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin
If you thought the “golden years” meant slowing down, think again. Just ask Barbara Terry. A very young 86-year-old, she holds the same job she’s had for nearly 40 years as a tax preparer for H&R Block, actively takes care of her spacious garden, cooks elaborate meals for family members, and completes a crossword puzzle every day. “It keeps my mind sharp,” she says of her daily routine. It’s not that life in the last couple decades has been completely smooth sailing. For her entire life she’s struggled with a serious asthma condition; in the mid-‘90s, she successfully fought off a bout with breast cancer; a year later she cared for her ailing husband who suffered from heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. But, even after his untimely passing, Terry never wavered. She went on with her job and usual activities, remaining a truly independent and inspirational force for all who know her.
We will all face different hurdles as we age, from sudden stressful occasions to plain old genetics. But, there’s one element we can control, our attitude…and a good one goes a long way. Here are a few tips on staying younger and healthier well into your 60s, 70s and 80s.
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The Sensational 70s
According to the WebMD, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after age 65. And while many scientists believe genetics is one of the factors behind the disease, it’s unlikely to be the only one. However, there are many ways to combat this illness and have a great time doing it.
It looks like Terry is pretty on track with her daily crossword puzzles. In fact, activities like board games, cooking, reading, playing an instrument and even dancing can help reduce your risk of dementia. They may seem like simple pleasures, but they do a lot more for your health by keeping you on your toes.
For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.
We will all face different hurdles as we age, from sudden stressful occasions to plain old genetics. But, there’s one element we can control, our attitude…and a good one goes a long way. Here are a few tips on staying younger and healthier well into your 60s, 70s and 80s.
...
The Sensational 70s
According to the WebMD, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after age 65. And while many scientists believe genetics is one of the factors behind the disease, it’s unlikely to be the only one. However, there are many ways to combat this illness and have a great time doing it.
It looks like Terry is pretty on track with her daily crossword puzzles. In fact, activities like board games, cooking, reading, playing an instrument and even dancing can help reduce your risk of dementia. They may seem like simple pleasures, but they do a lot more for your health by keeping you on your toes.
For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.