
One might not think being 64 is by any means “old”. However, when you think about swimming 110 miles from Cuba to Florida in shark infested waters without a shark cage you’d think that only a young person would have that much courage and endurance. You would be wrong.
On Monday, September 2nd, Diana Nyad, a 64 year old U.S. endurance swimmer, showed the world how to accomplish a lifelong dream, how to never give up in spite of the odds, and how not to let your age keep you from doing anything. Diana made her first attempt to cross the Florida Strait in 1978 but failed. She made 3 more failed attempts in 2011-2012 until her amazing accomplishment this week.
Make a plan to take a page from Diana’s life and set goals for yourself to age gracefully. Include physical activity in each day whether it’s 20 minutes of walking, swimming or taking up ball room dancing.
Change your diet to include lots of foods high in antioxidants and rich in color like spinach, red peppers, red berries and lots of fish and nuts.
Stay socially active by participating in group sports, join a book or garden club, or go back to college to take a course in something you’ve always wanted to learn more about.
Above all, keep your mind active with mental exercises like learning a language, playing a musical instrument, playing Sudoku, chess or jigsaw puzzles.
October is Healthy Brain Month at Willson House and there are several opportunities for you to learn how to keep your brain healthy and to age gracefully. Click on Special Events for all the details.