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.
The Spectacular 60s
For many, entering their 60s may reveal that anticipated milestone - retirement. Others may choose continuing to work well into their 70s or longer. Either way, it’s important at this phase to keep stress under control. If you’ve been spending long hours at the office, consider cutting back a bit. Those extra minutes under pressure could be doing irreversible damage to your health and make you a stronger candidate for heart disease or stroke. Take off some steam and bring the grandkids to an amusement park, or take your spouse on a favorite getaway. You’ll all be better for it.
You may also find your eyesight isn’t what it used to be. If you’re straining to read the daily paper, think about getting your eyes checked regularly. Even if you’ve had 20/20 vision all of your life — it’s never too late to invest in a cool pair of specs.
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For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. 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 Spectacular 60s
For many, entering their 60s may reveal that anticipated milestone - retirement. Others may choose continuing to work well into their 70s or longer. Either way, it’s important at this phase to keep stress under control. If you’ve been spending long hours at the office, consider cutting back a bit. Those extra minutes under pressure could be doing irreversible damage to your health and make you a stronger candidate for heart disease or stroke. Take off some steam and bring the grandkids to an amusement park, or take your spouse on a favorite getaway. You’ll all be better for it.
You may also find your eyesight isn’t what it used to be. If you’re straining to read the daily paper, think about getting your eyes checked regularly. Even if you’ve had 20/20 vision all of your life — it’s never too late to invest in a cool pair of specs.
...
For more about Aging Gracefully, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. 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.