Volume 13, Number 4: July 2005
Slow Down? Not This Senior.
Lauretta Jones remembers that after she turned 60, she received a questionnaire about depression. She thought, "Gee. I'm not depressed," which made her examine why not. "I considered that I could pay my bills, was in relatively good health, and enjoyed taking trips with my grown children. I was happy doing what I wanted to do."
Now fully retired after 45 years as a school social worker, she's doing even more of it. Mrs. Jones knows that depression can be an illness that will-power can't conquer. She has had her own ups and downs, as well as health problems. Yet, she is a thriving example that keeping busy and seizing life actually produce more energy. HealthLine talked with Jones about her interests and health and fitness regimen.
What brought you to the CHP "Waist Management" class? "I had just gotten too heavyafter being slender. My physician, Dr. Redmon suggested it, and I have already lost 15 pounds. The dietitian, Melissa, has a way of teaching the group but making it relevant to each of us. The comradeship is also something I really like."
Do you exercise? "I go regularly to a fitness center. I used to take aerobic classes and I love to walk, but had to cut back because of knee pain. I thought it was all arthritis, but the weight gain definitely put stress on my joints. Now I am starting to walk again and will gradually increase. When I visit my mother in New York City, I have to walk."
What else fills your days? "Well, being at home more, I notice more cleaning to do! I sing in the church choir, which has traveled as far as California. I garden. After the big storms last year, I planted three dogwoods to replace lost trees. I came in afterward, got down in the floor to stretch my back, and my daughter-in-law teased me. But at the next class weigh-in, I had lost three pounds!"
What are benefits of being a senior? "I must say that it's wonderful enjoying my children as companions. (And paying separately for trips!) My elder son, his wife, and I search for great travel bargains. My mother loves going, too. We just came from a trans-Atlantic cruise. Over the years we've been to Bermuda, Canada, Alaska, and Spain. Volunteering is easier, too, when you're less busy. I've played two character roles in FSU film school student productions. It's really a lot of fun."
Any last thoughts? "Dr. Redmon was so enthusiastic about my weight loss. She isn't pushing me to a goal but just said, 'I am so glad you're losing, not gaining.' That's exactly what I plan to continue. Overall, I believe my life just keeps getting better."