William Penn Life, 2017 (52. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2017-07-01 / 7. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham Longevity trainin I HAVE YET TO MEET anyone over the age of 50 who looks forward to a future of dependency, inactivity or the inability to self-feed. While we are mobile, independent and energetic, we give little thought to what our lives may look like as we approach age 80. Based on the trending changes in health insurance, it is very possible that long term care facilities will become either a thing of the past or unaffordable for many. We can throw both hands up in the air and say: "Hey! We are all going to die anyway. What does it matter?" It matters a lot. The way we live now absolutely dictates how we will live in later years. As a fitness and wellness professional, I strongly encourage you to read up on "longevity training." I believe in it so strongly that we now offer longevity training to those living at the Bethlen Communities. True, genetics plays about 50% of the equation of how you will age, and luck holds about 10%. That means 40% of the outcome is solely up to you. You may think 40% doesn't count for much, but if you lost 40% of your income or retirement benefits, you would agree that 40% weighs heavily. Longevity training teaches one how to have added life to years based on assessed values of where you are right now. Lie down on the floor with your arms at your side. Then, stand up without using your hands for support. If you can achieve this, you are on the right track to living independently and joyfully for a long time. If this task requires just one hand, you have a little work to do. If you cannot even get on the floor you need to take a deep breath and ask yourself a few questions. Are you flexible? Do you have core strength? What would happen if you were by yourself and fell down? How would you help yourself? Longevity training leads to autonomous living. There are eight cues in the training assessment: Energy, Physical Resilience, Positive Mood, Self-Confidence, Cognitive Sharpness, Self-Actualization, Self-Expression and Visualization. All of these dimensions are intertwined, interactive and interrelated. Improvement in any one of these areas impacts improvement over all. Longevity training is serious business, but it's also a bit mellower than you may think. The focus is on movement (rather than joint pounding calisthenics) and imagery to enhance brain activity. Taking steps to secure future health is a new twist on a savings account. Being healthier longer just may be better than money in the bank. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We have a shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:____________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________ City:____________________State:_______Zip:________ Email:____________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL 2X 3X Womens S M L XL 2X 3X Make check payable to “William Penn Association.” Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 July 2017 0 1 1
