There is an incredible body of information on how to age well; some information is accurate with scientific foundation, some is ancient wisdom and some aging information has no basis in fact and can be harmful. From scientific study of longevity sponsored by National Geographic and Blue Zones, we know that positive social interactions throughout life and especially strong connections as we age, are the strongest predictor for successful aging. Kathe Alves, James Graham and Janice Swain (long term residents of Quail Creek and veterans of Healthy Me) have decided to start a social group in Quail Creek for residents interested in aging optimally and having some fun in the process.
Each participant is tasked with the challenge of making wise choices to promote health and well-being. There is a plethora of subjects, typically interconnected, that we must acknowledge to promote optimal aging individually and as a community. As part of a community effort there will be no charge for anything connected to Optimal Aging and our goal is to provide an open forum to learn how to age well and for us all to enjoy the process through social interaction. Integral to health and well-being is exercise, and there will be organized community Volksmarch as well as scheduled Quail Creek community rambles with maps. We plan a monthly meeting on Friday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for social time and education on planned topics that will include experts from multiple disciplines. Educational health and wellness links as well as local resources to access health services will be available.
Optimal Aging will not be about medical advice or treatment. Each of us needs a connection with a healthcare provider in addition to accurate knowledge of lifestyle choices.
Here is just a sampling of discussion topics and presentations to come: sleep, exercise, nutrition, brain maintenance, body work, meditation and the list goes on.
These are broad topics and may need more than one session or even separate interest groups to adequately cover the group’s need for mastery. And mastery is where it is at when aging is addressed. Time is of the essence to accomplish and integrate the lifestyle modalities necessary for your individual health and well-being.
Optimal Aging: Friday, October 19, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Ocotillo Room in the Kino Center. Hope to see you there!