Health & Wellness

Woman Refuses to Act Her Age by Skydiving at 95 Years Old

batch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:05:07 -0600

For those who feel old age may restrict them from doing many things, Eleanor Cunningham is providing an inspiring story.

News Channel 13 in New York reports that Cunningham, known as "Nanny," went skydiving on her 95th birthday.

While most of her family was there to cheer her on and take pictures, some members were baffled by her decision. "They're not speaking to me," she said with a laugh in her interview.

Nursing Home Residents Uplifted by Pageants

batch — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:05:13 -0500

Across the U.S., nursing homes in some states, including Georgia, California and Alabama, hold an annual beauty pageant that lets residents enjoy a day in the spotlight.

Rather than an evening gown or talent competition, these contests typically ask residents to speak about their lives, hobbies and approach to life.

At the recent Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Pageant in Independence, Missouri, women who had been crowned at their local facilities competed at the statewide contest, the Associated Press reports.

100-Year-Old Still at Work and Loving It

batch — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:05:06 -0500

When it comes to growing old gracefully and thinking positive, Astrid Thoenig of Parsippany, New Jersey seems to have the magic formula down pat.

The Associated Press reported that on September 24, Thoenig celebrated her 100th birthday at the family-run insurance company where she has been working for more than three decades.

"It's another day—it's hard to explain," Thoenig told the news provider. "I don't feel old, and I don't think old."

The Making of a Caregiver

admin — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:44:00 -0600

My days in retirement had started to blur together. Oh, they were pleasant enough-summer days spent lolling away up at our lake house, puttering on the boat, visiting with our kids and grandkids. But lately I'd felt this grinding sameness. I was growing bored. And to think I'd looked forward to retirement.

A Prescription for Aging

admin — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:06:00 -0500

Dr. Sherwin Nuland, M.D., the author of The Art of Aging, shares some tips for a healthier life.

1. Exercise your mind.
Read anything, from your daily paper to the works of Dickens or Karen Armstrong. Do crossword puzzles, visit museums, sign up for a class at the YMCA or local college.

2. Exercise your body.
Join a gym. It may be challenging, but you'll find something you enjoy—walking, swimming, even dancing. You'll be amazed at how every success leads to another.

Grandma Geronimo

admin — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:19:58 -0600

I was waiting at a stoplight when it happened. Through the windshield I saw a small plane against the blue sky and then something fall from it. It was a man! He was a sky diver.

My grandson, Clyde Lee, a parachutist in the military, had told me about such things. I held my breath until the sky diver's parachute puffed out and he floated down beyond the tree line.

A car honking behind me broke the spell. The light was green and I had to move on, but at that moment I knew what I wanted to do: parachute from a plane!

Debbie Reynolds: Grandma on the Go

jbloustein — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:38:51 -0500

Back in the golden age of moviemaking, Debbie Reynolds was the sweetheart star of classics like Singin' in the Rain and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Now, at 77, Reynolds is still at it, touring the country with her one-woman variety show. It's full of song, dance and laughs, including impressions of Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

But perhaps her favorite role is one closer to home: being a mother and grandmother.

What's the Secret to a Longer Life?

mcherkezian — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:32:06 -0500

Say you've just lost your job. What's the first thing you do? Call your best friend? Turns out that might be even better for you than you thought. Researchers are finding that friendships have a big impact on your health, well-being and overall lifespan.

For Many, Happiness Increases with Age

batch — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:05:13 -0500

Americans are, on average, living longer, and research increasingly shows that most people have a lot to look forward to in their golden years.

For one thing, many seniors have learned how to make themselves happy and are better at nurturing a positive attitude than their younger counterparts, according to a speaker at the 117th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.

An Athlete at Any Age

batch — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:05:10 -0500

Each year, hundreds of U.S. military veterans over the age of 55 gather to share in the spirit of camaraderie and competition at the Golden Age Games.

This year, approximately 700 people will participate in swimming, cycling, shuffleboard, air rifle and a variety of other events from June 2–5. There are special divisions for athletes who are in wheelchairs or are visually impaired.