Is there a better way to age? Here are some tips for aging well
Nora G. HertelST. MICHAEL — "You're never too old to learn Tai Ji Quan," said Paula Woischke.
She knew a 98-year-old man named Earl who went through the entire balance and fall-prevention program.
Woischke, a healthy aging coordinator for the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, talked about managing chronic conditions at a seminar Friday held by U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer.
"This is a customer service event," Emmer said in introductory remarks. "The congressional office can be a fantastic facilitator in the community."
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Emmer did not stay at the event, to the dismay of two attendees who voiced their frustration. Emmer said the event won't be his last one to connect seniors with resources on health and finances.
A few dozen seniors stayed for insights into how to age well.
Thanks to public health and medical advancements, people can expect to live to a "quite advanced age," said Dawn Simonson, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.
"The number of aging adults is growing rapidly," Simonson said, and most want to age in their homes.
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And that requires some help and planning.
Here are some quick tips for aging adults from Friday's seminar.
Use the resources out there
The Minnesota Board on Aging helps connect residents with state and local programs, including the Senior LinkAge Line.
Seniors can call LinkAge Line (800-333-2433) or visit the website MinnesotaHelp.info to access support on finances, fall prevention and more, said Lukus Zuker, community outreach specialist for the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.
Work out
Minnesota ranks fifth in the nation for falls because of slippery conditions in the winter, Woischke said.
"It's not necessarily the ice that's causing the fall," she said. "It's the inactivity of the winter that's causing the fall. … Our muscles begin to get weaker."
She recommends weight lifting at least twice a week and evidence-based programs to help prevent falls, such as Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, which "transforms martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen designed to improve postural stability," according to the Juniper website.
Juniper programs are held across Minnesota, including in St. Cloud. They include classes for chronic disease and pain management and diabetes prevention and management.
"As we age we tend to have more than one chronic condition," Woischke said. "So we need to learn how to manage that."
Take care of other needs, from finances to community ties
There are six dimensions to aging well, according to a Friday handout from the National Council on Aging's Aging Master Program.
- Legacy and purpose,
- Creativity and learning,
- Connections and community,
- Finances and future planning,
- Health and well-being,
- Gratitude and mindfulness.
Aside from connecting older adults to resources Friday, Emmer said the event might help connect older adults to each other.
Nora G. hertel: 320-255-8746, nhertel@stcloudtimes.com and on Twitter @nghertel.