Be Proactive
Golden Years Don’t Have to Mean Golden Tears

By Ellen Fitzgerald, 91

Being old is not a sin. It’s a fact of life for millions – either a joy or a sorrow. As a joy, you’ll fly high and experience such exhilaration you won’t realize you are 85! As a sorrow, you’ll mope, instead of joke. You’ll hate everything, everybody and finding fault will be priority # 1.

So what’s to do on the positive side?

1. Walk and talk.
2. Do chair exercises
3. Do water aerobics
4. Join up! Anything where the 65+ gang is.
5. Pets: dogs, cats, fish
6. Demote the remote. Don’t waste your time  watching tv.
7. If the eyes cooperate: read, needlework, puzzles, cards.
8. Laugh and sing loudly.
9. Hit the beach for a power walk.
10. Rearrange your furniture.
11. Redo your dresser drawers. Clean out, change compartments.
12. Clean your jewelry
13. Exercise in the latest style: Pilates
14. Try yoga, tai chi
15. Keep a small notebook on hand – list daily chores, calls to make, videos or movies to see, groceries to purchase.

However,  don’t introduce your body to the absurd, like standing on your head, swinging from the chandelier or a five mile hike in three inch high heels and no water.

Forget about what you used to do. This is what you do now.

Put thought to motion.

Don’t look old on purpose. Put on makeup. Even a little bit will make you seem younger and livelier.

Change your glasses periodically, current styles have lots of zip.

Be inspired. Share yourself with other people. If you are blessed with a special talent, show off!

Ellen Fitzgerald is a longtime participant and volunteer at Senior Friendship Centers. She currently participates in The Wisdom Group, and is a volunteer greeter at the Friendship Center in Sarasota.

More Tips from Ellen (added June 2011)

Cooking: When I use canned soups, etc. I always use low saltlow fart chicken or beef broth when a can of water is suggested. Cooking raw veggies with the above liquids gives you lots of flavor and added vitamins.

Short Term Memory: When my short temr memorty fails in conversation I ay the alphabet adn the name r proper word will come eventually.

Summer Sun: Summer sun can be very demading so I alwaysweaer a hat, carry and use sunglasses and water.

Summer Exercises

Walk up and down stairs wherever possible

Walk the beach (bring fruit juice for energy.)

Indoor Activities:

Polish your silver or jewels.