Many people believe they are predisposed to live to a certain age. Some say, “In my family, people do not live past age 70” or “My father died of a heart attack at age 62 so I probably will too.” It is a common myth that we are playing with a deck of cards, and when the cards run out there is nothing we can do.
Well nothing could be further from the truth according to the results of the MacArthur studies — a combined effort of 16 prestigious researchers who investigated how people can age best. It was found that less than 30% of physical aging is linked to our genes. “We are, in large part, responsible for our own old age,” says Dr. John Rowe, co-author of the study.
The key to aging well is two fold. First, active involvement with people and activities is essential in warding off depression and loneliness. And second, exercise is a must in order to maintain independence and vitality. The good news is you can start any time. In fact, life-long couch potatoes can dramatically increase their health status and life span by becoming moderately active.
Bon Secours offers a variety of opportunities to get involved with people and exercise. A variety of classes include Stretch and Tone, Tai Chi, Body Recall, Line Dancing and others. In all these classes participants make friends, support each other, and get that all-important dose of fitness. See page 9 for times and locations. Walking with friends is another activity that combines social support and exercise. The Bon Secours mall walking programs are growing every day.
Many times just getting up and out of the house is the most important exercise of all. Commit to a class, make arrangements with friends and go for it! You may have so much fun that you do not even realize you are adding cards to your deck.
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That’s the combined 11-year mileage of Roger and Louise LeBlanc who walk at Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News. They started walking together in 1989 as a means of exercise following Rodger’s heart attack. He says “Sometimes we don’t feel like walking, but once we start we always feel better!” |
 E. Linwood Kay, a member of the original Walter P. Wigwam Walking Program has amassed 2,500+ walking miles during the past 3 years. Footprint by footprint, the 73-year-old had recorded walking miles on the “monopoly type” grid in his logbook (5 books to be exact). Mr. Kay, a diabetic, says he was motivated to start walking by SeniorFest ‘97 keynote speaker, Rob Sweetgall. The walking has helped him to maintain his health and control his glucose levels. His effort has earned him numerous prizes including T-shirts, a wrist wallet, fanny pack, and a sports bag. |
 Norfolk native, Gerald Linn has logged more than 1,000 miles for his better health. This 67 year old ex-Marine’s active lifestyle includes regular work-outs at the Norfolk Family YMCA along with his regular participation in the Bon Secours MacArthur Mall walking program. In addition to reaching his goal and earning a new pair of Reeboks, Jerry has managed to take off 20 pounds, lower his blood pressure, and improve his cholesterol and triglicerides levels. |
