I’m Sharon and this is my story. Getting older brings opportunity. The more you age the more chances you have to try new things, connect with people and climb (okay, hike) new mountains.
Despite how many candles you have on your birthday cake or gray hairs you have on your head, you are only as old as you feel. Growing old is inevitable, but it doesn’t mean that you should stop living actively and pursuing your interests. I have found that hiking, volunteering, and playing music help keep me healthy and active.
I am a member of the OSHER Life Long Learning Institute that helps keep me physically and mentally active. Just this week, our group went on a hike in the Pisgah National Forest. The leader of our hike was eighty-eight years old.
My husband and I try to stay active together. Last year we went on an eight-day backpacking and rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, and we’re planning for our next trip there in May.
With age has come great opportunities for me. I take every chance I get to get up and got going. Staying active as you age is key in preventing diseases and disabilities, maintaining physical abilities and getting the most out of your life.
Equally important to physical activity is engaging your mind. I keep my mind active by taking basket weaving and Mozart classes at Furman University. I also stay active by teaching a beginning recorder class. Another way I stay active and give back is volunteering at the Greenville Memorial Hospital gift shop. I’ve been volunteering for sixteen years.
As I age, I try to watch what I eat and I have regular check-ups with my doctor. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced any serious health issues and I attribute this greatly to staying active as I age. Staying active helps me live a healthy and productive life.
Learn more about volunteering at Greenville Hospital System.