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Eldercare
& Caregiver Resource Center: Simple
Steps to Enhance Your Quality of Life For nearly fifteen years, Ruth has
followed the same schedule every week. She plays golf on Friday, attends
church on Sunday morning, and volunteers o Ruth is 80 years old, and suffers from no major ailments, except for the occasional cold. What is she doing right? According to recent studies, Ruth is keeping active, which can be the key for successful aging. Successful aging is not something that just happens to the "lucky" people - it is a trait that you can nurture by taking the proper steps. Using Ruth as a guide, the first step to enhance your quality of life is to stay active - by doing whatever interests you! If you are lucky enough to have grandchildren that live nearby, invite them over once a week for special bonding time. If this is not possible, call a local nonprofit organization to volunteer once a week. Take long walks with friends. See the latest movie. If you don't drive, pay a neighbor to go grocery shopping with you once a week, or drive you to meet friends. Staying involved in your community can keep your spirits up, but successful aging also starts from within. By exercising physically and mentally, you will feel your body and memory improve. Take a walk outside, or join a local recreational center or workout facility. And use your brain - start a book club with friends or try the crossword puzzles in the paper. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and drink 8 8-oz. glasses of water each day. Finally, we all know that a good attitude makes all the difference. Have a sense of humor and a sense of hope. The best way to do this is plan ahead for the future - keep regular doctor appointments and have a list of resources so you know where to turn when you need something. Successful aging is no mystery - it's maintaining the proper combination of staying active, staying positive and keeping a network of trusted resources. Take Ruth for example. Even at 80 years old, she continues to increase her quality of life - and her golf swing. Ann Bannes is vice president of home and community-based services for St. Andrew's At-Home Services, a local non-profit organization that serves the needs of the elderly and their caregivers. Contact (314) 726-5766 for more information. |
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St.
Andrew's Resources for Seniors: Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center Home | About St. Andrew's | Communities | At-Home Services | Management Services | Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center | Charitable Fund |
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Wednesday. In addition, she still maintains her housecleaning and yard
upkeep with help from her neighbors.