Young at heart, soul, mind and body – at any age

Getting older has advantages – like discounts at the grocery store – but, for many people, the reward of living an active lifestyle is maintaining their independence as long as possible.

“I tell my patients it’s never too late to begin to be more active,” said Carmel Person, M.D., geriatrics. Dr. Person suggests patients ask their physician before beginning an exercise program and that they look for activities they enjoy that are easily accessible. “If I love to hike but only do it when I am on vacation once a year, that’s not ‘accessible’ and I won’t stick with it,” she said.

Adults are living longer, which is good, but sedentary lifestyles can lead to a host of health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, depression, colon cancer and premature death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The challenge to get active and keep the body, mind and spirit connection in sync takes effort and self-discipline,” Dr. Person said. “Walk the dog, take classes for fun and for free, be of service to others by volunteering. These kinds of activities propel us to a place of well-being and purpose whether we are 8 or 108 years old.”

–Tammy Jones

Make friends and get healthy with Norton Prime Time

Trudy Hubbuch, 85, of Louisville, is a member of Norton Prime Time, a hospital-based wellness, social and educational program open to anyone age 50 and older. Hubbuch has traveled with the group to just about every state and to Europe three times.

“We feel like family,” she said.

She also nourishes her mind, body and spirit by reading, walking on the treadmill at a local senior center and directing the women’s ministry at her church.

Hubbuch drives to Norton Audubon Hospital every Wednesday to tell eligible patients about the benefits of Norton Prime Time membership, such as free or discounted health screenings, coupons for free meals in the cafeteria for caregivers during a hospital stay, upcoming travel opportunities, the monthly supper club and bingo.

“Patients appreciate my visits, but I get more out of it than they do,” she said.

Sign up now  for your Norton Prime Time membership or call (502) 629-4400.