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Healey wrote, “To try and stay healthy I am helped along by the wellness and healthful hints, especially on eating, that I read in the Golden Times newspaper. I attend a physical fitness center in Chili weekly and jog eight miles each week at the YMCA in the winter and the outside tracks in good weather. “As for the mental aspect, I believe deeply in my religion, read lots of non-fiction books and have just finished 20 years of voluntarily managing American Legion Base Ball.” A popular way to stay fit and healthy is Preferred Care’s Silver Sneakers program as confirmed by 14 members at the Maplewood YMCA. In a letter to the health plan, they state, “We would like you to know how much we appreciate and really enjoy our Silver Sneakers Program at the Maplewood YMCA. Anja and Yvonne, our leaders and instructors, are a really good fit. They know just the right pace and level of challenge our older bodies can handle. “As a bonus, the warmth and the camaraderie in the class must be good for our overall well being. Both instructors help to generate these feelings with their easy, good natured attitude. So as you can see, we are more than satisfied with the class and the whole concept of Silver Sneakers.” Gerald Tette compliments Gold’s Gym and the way in which it conducts the Silver Sneakers programs saying, “The instructors are wonderful and the pace is very good.” Another reader writes, “This note is to say thank you for my body feeling better. In October 2006 I started the Silver Sneakers program. Within a month I had lost seven pounds, was able to get out of a chair without help, reduced my daily insulin by 10 units, and am now so much more flexible in my everyday activities.” The reader went on to describe some serious health conditions including a stroke, multiple heart attacks, and a triple bypass and frustration at being less independent than he once was. A member of Gold’s Gym, this 62-year-old male works out on his home treadmills for 25 minutes twice a week, attends Silver Sneakers twice a week, and does strength training as well. “Learning to breathe deeply and properly has enabled me to improve my singing in our church choir… Exercise – what a wonderful way to live and enjoy life.” Another point of view, from Katherine DaCosta: “I know that those who pass 60 and pass 100 are writing plays, reciting poetry, walking and running 5Ks and marathons, learning new skills, outscoring those half their ages at bridge and Scrabble, making time for Law & Order and C.S.I. keeping up with current events, making new friends and generally having a good time and setting the bar high for the younger crowd. I follow in their footsteps and that keeps me healthy… Thank God I’ve learned to laugh more. Life can be serious but why scowl.” One almost-90-year-old reader, Grace Guyon, wrote, “First of all I try to maintain a cheerful attitude in all things. I try to keep regular hours and eat substantial food (I love to cook), be alert to news of the day, by interested in family and friends. I keep my love of music by playing the piano and try singing along. Last, but not least, I love telling stories and jokes and making light of things. Try it – it’s easy!” One reader was very candid in what he wished he had done differently. “When I got home from the service (Viet Nam) I did a lot of drugs. I wish I hadn’t but at the time it was the way we all escaped from reality.” Another person wrote “I have smoked since I was a teenager. Even though I have stopped, I wonder every day when that will catch up with me.” In our next two issues we will focus on how to look one’s
best. If you have an idea you would like to share, please send to
The Marketing Strategists, PO Box 663, Mendon NY 14506 or contact
me here. |
