When Karen Bostick, 70, neared retirement last year, she made a commitment to herself. She would follow the advice of her 89-year-old mother-in-law.
“She told me that I must have a plan. I need to get back to focusing on myself, and I can’t just let it happen,” Bostick said. “I have to make it happen.”
Recently, Bostick and several wise retirees in the area offered some words of advice to folks who remain forever curious about how people who live to record-setting ages.
Sheldon “Shelly” Revkin, 80, of Mount Pleasant, lives by a seemingly simple, yet insightful motto: “I believe in moving.” He and his wife, Madeline, stay busy with a variety of activities, but Shelly believes that their volunteer commitments produce some of the biggest benefits: “Volunteering is giving back, but you also get a lot out of the experience socially and mentally.”
Madeline agreed: “When I volunteer, my mind is active, and I learn new things all the time.”
One of the first things Bostick did was join the Lowcountry Senior Center on James Island. She quickly discovered that jumping into activities that gave her a sense of purpose opened what felt like doors to youth.
“I haven’t felt this fit and alive in decades,” she said.
Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville offers activities for residents through their LifeWise program, which is based on the philosophy that keeping active and having social support is crucial to healthy aging. The focus is on lifelong learning through activities as diverse as gardening, heart health strategies and fall prevention.
LifeWise Coordinator Susan Cannon believes one of the hardest challenges facing seniors is that they want to be positive.
“They don’t want to focus on what they can’t do but rather on all that they can do,” Cannon explained. “LifeWise gives them the opportunity to find something to do, make it fun and then do it.”
LifeWise member Larry Long, 80, offered advice about what has worked for him: “Keep setting goals, and don’t be afraid to set tough goals.”
Long’s challenging physical fitness routine keeps him on track with his healthy living goals.
“I’m in way better shape now than I was when I was in my 60s because I am not scared to try and push myself,” he said, also attributing his healthy lifestyle to his philanthropic work. “It’s important to do something meaningful, something that is both fun and helps people.”
At the Lowcountry Senior Center, Bostick realized how much she valued being with others.
“I never had time to cultivate friendships,” she said. “Now I have a group of people to spend time with who have similar interests. It’s wonderful motivation to get out of the house and connect with others.”
Elizabeth Bernat, director of senior services with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, which manages the Center, agreed that seniors benefit from more than just class instruction.
“The Center gives our members a place to go, a purpose and a place to meet and engage with other people,” she noted.
At 74, Bob Brennan found just that type of encouraging community at the Lowcountry Senior Center while taking part in the many classes offered in fitness and the arts and attending free lectures such as a recent discussion on international affairs. He’s noticed members are motivated to continue coming because they have a built-in support system.
“If a member misses a class, others will notice and look out for them the next time,” Brennan explained. “As we get older, people face many challenges and will feel a great sense of relief by being with someone else who has been in the same place.”
He encouraged more men to see the benefits of exploring new activities and to take advantage of local opportunities such as those at the Senior Center.
Experts agree that whether it’s taking a class, setting fitness goals, volunteering or simply walking your dog each morning, a sense of purpose and of belonging can lead you to embrace a healthy living outlook.
Exercise, Read and Get a Dog
A group of neighbors in Keowee Key, a community located in Salem, South Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, recently gathered to discuss their advice for staying healthy and engaged as they age. Here are their words of wisdom:
“I think routine workouts and being physically active takes care of the physical aspects. Working puzzles, reading and good conversation help the mental aspects. – Bill, 85.
“Good genes. Good diet, staying active mentally and physically.” – Dave, 85
“Keeping your mind busy and a positive attitude” – Gerry, 86, who plays golf four times a week
“A sense of belonging in a community that you feel is an extended family.” – Julie, 80
“Exercising, reading and a dog.” – Jim, 83
“Volunteer and stay empathetic to those less fortunate, definitely time to give back. It keeps a good prospective on life.” – Gretchen, 80
By Lisa Wack