Learn how to stay healthy from an octogenarian

November 5, 6:28 AMDes Moines Wellness ExaminerDorothy Mathis

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Elders come alive when telling stories!

Dorothy Mathis

Don’t you wonder how some people just continue to amaze others with their energy and activities? Look into the world of active eighty year olds that are fully participating life and you will be amazed at how healthy they are. They simply seem too busy to be ill. Their full schedules don’t permit dwelling on what could or should be. They don’t have time for remorse and they don’t dwell on their aliments. When adversity strikes it seems the healthy elders take it in stride, see the opportunity and just plow right into a solution instead of spending time wishing they didn’t have to deal with the situation.

The result of this attitude is that they are enjoying far better health than their similar aged friends who spend time worrying or holding on too tightly to the past.  It seems they have acquired the wisdom to know the value of letting go and moving on.

Most octogenarians love to tell stories of the past. However if you will notice, you will see that the healthy elders tell their stories with appreciation and gratitude. Stories about the good old days told from the perspective of wishing they were still young or that things were the way they “used to be” seem to come from people who are experiencing health issues. An attitude of gratitude seems to be the driving force that get the healthy ones out into their communities and keeps them involved and active. 

If you are an elder looking for improved health or have a parent or friend you might want to check out this article in the New America Media. Study Finds Elders Improve Health By Volunteering.
For elders, “volunteering with children may be as good for their health as a gym membership,” says Johns Hopkins University researcher Erwin Tan.

Role Models
Those of us who are wondering what this aging process is all about have some very glamorous role models to follow! Just look around, ask them to tell their stories then ask them to come play with your children. Both will benefit!