How to Age Successfully

My mother had a strong network of friends. She was the social one of my parents. My dad used to say that when she went into a grocery store, she would walk out with three new friends. She knew the importance of community.

My dad, not so much. More likely, when he wasn’t working, you’d find him in his workshop, putting together his newest project, or building some new thing my mom came up with. He cherished my mom, so he was pulled into her influence and had an active social life as well.

All that changed when mom got in a car accident on the highway and never left the hospital. They had been married over forty years and dad seemed … lost. I was fairly young at the time, in my early 30s, and lived about 7 hours away and my siblings were no closer, so we weren’t there to offer our support and keep him busy. He worked for a time at the local grocery store in the small town where he lived, but soon developed colon cancer, had surgery and quit working.

In the meantime, I moved out of state. I finally convinced my dad to move into the house next door to us. Looking back, that might not have been the best solution, as a couple years later, cancer again hit and this time with a vengeance. Eight months later, he was gone.

In his new home, my family was his only community. He didn’t really know anyone else, never got out to socialize. I would spend as much time as I could with him, and he ate with us every night, but I was busy working and taking care of three energetic kids.

Would things have gone the same way if he had a strong network of friends in his life? While we will never know the answer, studies show a strong connection between community and wellness. Community is one area that successful aging is dependent on.

Senior centers are an important part of community for many older adults. Senior centers may offer services in what I call the “building blocks of wellness” leading to a healthier happier life:

• Your mind: Education classes including computer classes and foreign language classes.
• Exercise: Group programs like aerobics, Tai Chi or yoga
• Nutrition: Daily meals, healthy eating classes
• Community: Band or choirs, bridge and other group activities
• Purpose: Programs that work with young people

For the seniors in your life, encourage them stay active in their community. Join the senior center, take classes at the local college (often times for free to seniors), join other groups that will get them out of the house. Their happiness depends on it.