60 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL WELL-BEING One of the hallmarks of an active senior’s lifestyle is a commitment to physical well-being. Whether it’s practicing yoga in the serene tranquility of a studio or dancing the night away at a lively social gathering, they understand the importance of staying active and nurturing their bodies. Through regular exercise, they not only maintain their physical vitality, but also enjoy a sense of empowerment and confidence that radiates from within. Star remarked “I try not to pay attention to how old I feel. Instead, I ride my Peloton for 6-7 miles every other day and walk on non-bike days.” Zuckerman echoed, “My entire adult life I have tried to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle of work, exercise, diet and nutrition and social contact with friends and loved ones. I cannot say enough about the value of exercise for seniors.” He encourages everyone to find an activity that you enjoy and will commit to. CULTIVATING A MINDSET But it’s not just about physical activities; it’s about cultivating a mindset that defies stereotypes and approaches life with unbridled enthusiasm. These active seniors understand that age is merely a number and youthfulness resides in the attitude we carry. They greet each day with gratitude, finding joy in simple pleasures and seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. Fink replied, “Attitude is probably the most important asset to a younger self-image.” Purkerson added, “Live life to its fullest every day because every day is a gift from God. Keep setting the bar high. Never give up.” A practical tip from Zuckerman was to “make errands more of an outing rather than a chore.” He continued, “a stop to get to-go coffee makes the post office line much more tolerable!” And “The best thing about being my age is the ability to recognize there is very little that I need to worry about, and my experience lets me know that most things work out ok.” FEEDING THE SOUL Beyond their physical abilities and proper attitude it’s about feeding the soul as well. For many active seniors, faith has become a cornerstone of their lifestyle, offering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends age. Whether it’s mentoring younger generations, serving meals at a local shelter or advocating for causes close to their hearts, they are proof that age is no barrier to making a difference in the world. Purkerson said, “I start every morning with Bible study and end every day on my knees beside my bed in prayer.” Linda Shelley, who along with her husband Roland is in her 70s, remarked that she has been attending a Bible study and “feels a better relationship with God” in her later years. NEW EXPERIENCES In the realm of leisure, active seniors are constantly seeking new experiences to enrich their lives. From pottery classes to photography workshops, they eagerly embrace opportunities for creative expression and personal growth. With a curious spirit and an open mind, they dive headfirst into the unknown, relishing the thrill of discovery with each new endeavor. The Shelleys said, “Trying new activities and learning new skills such as yoga, pickleball, video editing, drone photography, etc. (keep them young at heart). It’s important that you try new things even though they’re out of your comfort zone. Have fun and laugh at yourself.” Fink added, “To dare to try new experiences later in life can be the most enriching thing you can do to keep yourself young at heart.” Richards, who recently turned 70, has taken up pottery. She quipped, “I’m not that good at it, but putting my hands into the clay and shaping a vase or bowl is so aesthetically pleasing and rewarding.” And perhaps one of the best pieces of advice came from Purkerson who noted, “My coaches taught me to never senior living
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