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Stay active to stay young

Stimulating hobbies, an active lifestyle and staying connected to others are hallmarks of positive aging.

By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published May 30, 2006

CLEARWATER - Ann Barager teaches swing dance classes.

Henry Kwoh teaches tai chi.

She's 80. He's 86.

Both exemplify the positive aging message of the recent "Choices and Changes" seminar at Regency Oaks, where they live.

"Discussing ills and pills drives me up a wall," Barager said, explaining why she's too young to think old.

Speaker Dick Ambrosius, an expert in the field of aging, agrees. His high-spirited address stressed the importance of understanding the negative power of the stereotypes on the elderly and the role of self-fulfilling prophecies in premature aging.

"There is a big difference between growing older and getting old," said Ambrosius, who said he has more than 30 years of experience consulting and writing on the topic.

But, he cautioned, negative perceptions of the elderly are ingrained in our culture: in the words we use, in how older adults are shown in the media.

"Unfortunately, if someone says something long enough, you believe it," he said. "And then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

He cited memory loss as an example. Short-term memory loss may occur as we age, he said, but that has no bearing on skills, abilities and outcomes.

"Older people can still learn," he said. "They just learn slower."

He also stressed that even as one reaches the later years, goals need to be set.

"Research has proven that planning ahead throughout life leads to greater satisfaction," he said. "But few of us in life's second half actually plan what we want to accomplish."

Ambrosius continually challenged his audience.

"Don't think about how old you are. Think about how old you feel," he said, noting that he feels better approaching 60 than his daughter said she did on her 30th birthday.

Ambrosius prescribed stimulating hobbies, an active lifestyle and staying connected to others for a happier and healthier life.

Barager said after Ambrosius' presentation that she felt motivated, even as his address confirmed what she already believed.

"You can get out of life what you want," she said, "even as you get older."

In addition to teaching dance to the sounds of Big Bands, Barager is planning a community fashion show, is president of a getting-to- know-you club at Regency Oaks, offers her years of business expertise to the residents association and takes part in the residence's theater group.

Similarly, Kwoh also stays active. He continues to work as an engineering consultant several days a week, is president of the Regency Oaks theater group, walks daily and does Chinese calligraphy.

Kwoh agreed with Ambrosius that people need to stay active to stay young.

"Don't close yourself in your room," Kwoh advises. "Go out and meet people."

Jill Ann Perrino is a freelance writer living in Pinellas County.

[Last modified May 30, 2006, 07:42:15]