Over the next several months, we will be using our newsletter to highlight members who have redefined aging. Check back for updated entries.
Here are the questions we posed:
- How do you define aging?
- How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
- What advice would you give to your 20 or 30 something self?
- What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
Terry Johnson
- How do you define aging?
As I have progressed in age, I have noticed there are more opportunities for me to grow, and develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, culturally, physically and relationally. I think when life has pushed me in a direction from which I intended to go or completely spun me around….I look up, take an assessment and look for the lesson and the silver lining. Aging doesn’t have to define anyone; I believe it’s all part of life than can be treasured.
2. How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
Society says you work in your career, raise your family, retire and then do the things you have always wanted to do. I don’t believe one should wait too long to do anything. I have always tried to experience many things in life regardless of my age. I truly believe hope and joy defies age.
- What advice would you give to your 20 or 30 something self?
Always, treat people the way you wish to be treated. People may not ever remember your name or what you did…most of the time people will always remember how you treated them or how you made them feel when they interacted with you. Most of all, when people show you who they are believe them. Know when to let go and move on.
4. What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
To stay mentally fit I must stay spiritually fit, because for me that is the bedrock of my being able to stay physically fit. It includes reading my bible, eating correctly, exercising, resting enjoying life. Sometimes you have to make lemonade when life gives you lemons.
Michael Leonard
- How do you define aging?
Aging to me is: (I’m a runner). “Hey! I’m running just as fast as ever, but my elderly Timex Race Watch is really slowing down!”
- How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
I’m in training for a marathon (26.2 miles) at age 81, I’m told that might not be society’s idea of what a person my age would be doing.
- What advice would you give to your 20 or 30 something self?
I would have advised my 20 to 30 year old self—- (a ‘no-nothing’ who thought he was such a ‘know-it-all’) to listen more carefully and understand better the wisdom and maturity of his elders.
- What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?I’m a distance runner. Most of the people I train with are one or two generations younger than me. That makes for some pretty tough workouts! I also do lots of ‘cross-training’ here at AHC—Pilates, body-pump, weight-training, and supplemental running on the indoor track. Mentally, I play brain games that emphasize training in memory, attention, flexibility and math. I believe whatever mental acuity I have has been greatly enhanced by being physically fit. (“The body is the temple of the mind.”) Folks, as the old saying goes, “Old age ain’t for sissies!” You have to really work hard to keep mind and body from succumbing to the ravages of Father Time! Do your best to make the most of each and every day!
Liz Hastings
- How do you define aging?
As a process that takes place over time and is universal to all living beings.
- How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
I’m not sure I have, unless the definition of a 73-year-old woman is befuddled and decrepit.
- What advice would you give to your 20 or 30 something self?
Start now to develop the habits that will serve you well for the future. I’m sure I didn’t do that in my 20’s but
thankfully, I started in my 30’s.
- What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
Do the things that I love to do that keep me moving – tennis, walking, traveling, cooking, and, actually, using the gym. Plus, I try to keep myself informed and use my time to help my family, friends, and people I don’t even know.
Cheryl Bunyan
- How do you define aging?
I see aging as just the normal passage of time that brings about dynamic change in people; some changes are for the better especially those intellectual ones that come about from life experience.
- How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
Perhaps staying true to myself and not letting others dictate what is appropriate for me has served me best.
- What advice would you give to your 20 or 30 something self?
I would have been more encouraging when it came to making health and fitness an important priority.
- What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
I try to find a balance of both physical and mental pursuits especially activities that lend themselves to new learning and personal growth.
Adrian Dantley
- How do you define aging?
I define aging by how I feel on the inside. If you have a great diet you will age gracefully. You will age gracefully if you take care of yourself. Unfortunately, the majority of people who think they are doing the right thing don’t have a clue. - How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
Society would say that as we age, we should slow down in order to preserve our bodies. I train harder than I did when I was in my twenties and thirties and playing 82 games a year in the NBA. Back then, I spent more time working on basketball skills than lifting weights and doing cardio. My doctors have required me to take a battery of tests because my blood pressure and resting heart rate are so low, especially for a 65 year old. They thought something was clinically wrong with me because they have never had a patient my age with those statistics. Of course, they concluded what I already knew, that I am in superb health. - What advice would you give a 20 or 30 something?
Talk to your elders. Pick the brains of those who have already been through it all. Incorporate their wisdom, advice and opinions in your life. - What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
I workout hard 5 days a week. I used to workout 6 days. I found that by taking off two days, I have better workout during the week. I work for fatigue in weight lifting and running. Every time I run, I run a little faster or for a longer distance. One of the best feelings in the world is when I finally finish a workout, take a hot shower and eat a delicious and nutritious meal.
Daryl Paunil
- How do you define aging?Aging is your body’s increasing inability to do what the mind wants it to do.
2. How have you defied society’s idea of aging?
I may look a little younger than I am and I may be stronger than some my age but my joints sure don’t feel like it.
3. What advice would you give a 20 or 30 something?
My advice to someone 20 is to keep doing what you enjoy, almost to excess because that’s the point of being 20. Work on your friendships, because the good ones will last your lifetime. My advice to someone 30 is watch what you eat, develop good workout habits that will stay with you for life and get good rest because now it starts to count.
4. What do you do to stay mentally and physically fit?
I stay healthy by working out 5 days a week and eating healthy about 5 days a week. I stay mentally fit by working full time, I read a couple hours each day and have hobbies that require problem solving or creativity.
