Senior Citizens Are Aging With Grace
According to the National Council on Aging website, approximately 49 million Americans are 65 and older, and by the year 2060 that number is expected to increase to nearly 100 million.
Seniors are on average living longer lives; a 65-year-old can expect to live another 19 years according to CDC statistics.
In the quiet suburb of Union City, California Donald and Rosemary Parnala have shared over half a century together.
Together they maintain a garden that keeps them lightly active while also engaging them in a mindful hobby.
“She makes me live long. All the pills I take [she] makes sure I take them.”
Donald Parnala, 82, Union City, Husband of Rosemary Parnala
A study published in the journal Science Direct suggests that gardening has mental health benefits in addition to its physically stimulating benefits. It found gardening was associated with reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, and mood disturbance.
“I take supplements to make sure I get my daily vitamins”
Rosemary Parnala, 73, Union City, Wife of Donald Parnala
Making sure that one is getting their proper nutrients is all the more important as one ages. For some, like Rosemary Parnala, it is easier to take vitamins when there isn’t always energy to prepare a full meal.
Choosing articles of clothing that are complementary to her shape is important says Hazelene Matthews of Hayward. That, and when shipping makes shopping easy for someone who might not always have the energy for an excursion, it’s an easy way to treat herself and boost her mood with retail therapy.
“Actually, I always prefer cotton, but knit will do”
Hazelene Matthews, 73, Hayward,
She finds that many department store items can be a bit boring or baggy. Seeing the fit on models of her shape, shade, and size help her make the right choice. Recently, she found a pair of skorts after seeing them online.
She frequents the doctor’s office for various appointments, and not being one to sacrifice style, opts for the colorful and stylish styles of sneakers. Still, if they are slip-on, even better because it takes time to have to bend over or sit down and fit a laced shoe.
Preventing accidents like slips and falls is something seniors like Matthews have to keep in mind.
According to the CDC, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.
The plus was that the day was rather windy and made for great sound–I’m most please by the windmill sound as it is a very familiar sound to me from my childhood.