June Young got so busy this winter that she had to cut back on her Tai Chi classes. She really enjoyed the relaxation and breathing exercises she was learning from her instructor, but something had to give.
Young, 85, keeps a schedule that might rattle a candidate in a presidential primary. She sculpts. She paints. She assists at twice-weekly bingo games. She takes a yoga class. Come spring, she’ll start gardening again. And that’s just for starters.
Recently, Young devoted a big chunk of her time to making portrait-style photographs of the 300 residents of the Breakers at Edgewater Beach, the seniors-only building in Chicago where she lives. Young, who was a professional photographer, says the portraits are “pretty good.” The pictures are being put into a book for residents, who also receive a framed copy for themselves.
“Now, it’s time to cut down,” said Young. “I’m doing too much.”
Young grouses in a good-natured way about being overbooked and time-pressed, like a day trader who can’t get enough action. She also admits she’s quite happy. That’s because she’s learned the first rule of successful aging — stay busy.
According to a recent study by the MacArthur Foundation, genetic makeup isn’t the only factor that determines longevity. Environment and lifestyle have a big influence on the aging process. The study found:
– Exercise and good nutrition help prevent chronic diseases. Weight or strength training in particular makes a big difference in older people’s ability to function.
– Healthy habits have a positive effect. It’s never too late to quit smoking, begin exercising, or adopt a sensible diet. People often blame aging for problems that are really caused by lifestyle choices such as overeating, bad nutrition, smoking or lack of regular exercise.
– Social relationships promote longevity. People who have a great deal of social support are healthier, on average, than people who lack support. Telephone conversations or visits with friends, participation in religious groups or meeting attendance help foster successful aging.
– Complex environments with a variety of stimuli sustain mental function. An array of activities helps exercise the brain.
– A number of factors contribute to strong mental function. Regular physical activity, a strong social support system and belief in one’s ability to handle life’s ups and downs are essential for mental health.
Recognizing how important it is to stay busy, many communities for seniors are stepping up their activity programs. Often, these new programs are based on a wellness philosophy of life that goes way beyond 15 minutes of toe touches in the lobby every afternoon.
“We have broadened our approach to wellness,” said Terry Fay, director of resident programs at Senior Lifestyle Corp., the company that owns the Breakers at Edgewater Beach. “Our program helps residents achieve fitness of mind, body and soul.”
The wellness program, called Fit for Life, is offered in 14 communities owned by Senior Lifestyle Corp. The program’s key ingredient is exercise. Each community has a fitness center that includes strength training equipment specifically designed for older adults. Offered as well: a variety of exercise and fitness classes.
But the program includes much more than exercise. Nutrition, intellectual stimulation and entertainment are also important elements, Fay said. For example, residents attend discussion groups, computer lessons, or something as simple as a brain teaser session. Outings are scheduled to theaters and entertainers are often brought into the building to perform.
Residents are asked what kinds of activities they would like. And programs are tailored to meet the specific needs and requests of each community.
“We have to be flexible,” said Fay.
Fay figures about 50-70 percent of all residents participate in the Fit for Life program.
“We try to acknowledge the good things the residents are doing in order to inspire them to do more,” she said.
Helen Meyering participates in the Fit for Life program. She admits the transition to a seniors-only community is a difficult one, even under the best of circumstances.
“There’s a lot of inner turmoil because you must face your own mortality,” said Meyering, who moved into the Breakers at Olympia Fields five months ago. “But as I got involved in the activities here, I found that my apprehension started to disappear.”
Meyering took a computer class. She just mastered the basics of e-mail and now she sends messages to her two teenage granddaughters.
“The computer is a great way to enter their world,” said Meyering.
Meyering also takes a psychology class held on site that’s taught by a professor from Prairie State College. “We share our feelings in the class. We open ourselves to others and gain insights,” she said. “Our children can’t understand us like that because they just aren’t at that place in their lives yet.”
Some residents are very negative and don’t get involved in the programs that are offered, Meyering said: “You have to push yourself. It takes effort.”
At 73, Meyering is the youngest resident in her building. But, she said, many of those participating in the activity programs are well into their 80s.
“Their minds are clear. It gives you a new understanding that you don’t have to fall apart as you age,” she said.
– If you would like a free brochure describing the Fit for Life program or a synopsis of the MacArthur Foundation study on aging, call Senior Lifestyle Corp. at 312-673-4386.
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Jane Adler is a Chicago-area freelance writer. If you have questions or information to share regarding housing for senior citizens, write to Senior Housing c/o Chicago Tribune Real Estate Section, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., 60611. Or e-mail adler@megsinet.net
