I was reading about inspirational living the other day and was drawn to an article by Dr. Art Hister, an award winning physician, educator and media personality from Vancouver. Most seniors want to live longer, but even more important, they want to enjoy a good quality of life. We hear this a great deal as we tour prospective residents and their families around beatitudes Campus. It's really those types of factors that make the difference – our fitness center and incredible training staff, our top flight Center for Life Long Learning and the host of other clubs and organizations in which residents can immerse themselves.
Dr. Hister tackles this issue directly and I'm sufficiently convinced we should listen since it appears that he has more than a bit of credibility. He is currently a health analyst on The Morning news on Global TV in BC. He is also the author of two Canadian bestsellers, Midlife Man and Dr. Art Hister's Guide to a Longer and Healthier Life, as well as numerous articles for publications such as Reader's Digest, The Globe and Mail, and The Medical Post.
“Quality of life is really important,” says Dr. Art. “I want to enjoy the rest of my years, especially with my grandchildren. I want to walk on the beach with them, not have to sit waiting for them to visit me.”
“The single most important thing you can do,” he advises, “is to be more active. Just keep going. The more active you are, the better. There is less chance for your body to deteriorate. Being mobile and active is more important than diet or other factors.” Dr. Art doesn't like to use the word “exercise” preferring to say “keep moving, keep active.”
“Furthermore, it's easy. There's nothing to prevent you; simply make up your mind to be more active. Sadly, our culture does not encourage us to do exercise, quite the opposite.” One only has to look at the parking lots, cars, elevators, and escalators all around us to see that Dr. Art is right.
“Numerous studies have shown that when previously sedentary people become more active, their health improves,” he says. He describes how living a healthier life has several almost immediate benefits including sleeping better, having more energy, having lower stress, and suffering less anxiety. Long-term benefits include living longer, being happier, and reducing the negative effects of chronic diseases. That last benefit is particularly significant, isn't it?
He also emphasizes you're never too old to change your habits. Studies show that even 80-year olds benefit from becoming more active and embracing these recommendations. A resident told me recently that he had never really embraced fitness or involvement in a number of social activities, but that in giving it a try, he was astounded at how much improvement in life in general was being experienced. This was actually in a conversation which involved his daughter and she chimed in rather immediately, stating rather amusedly that she wasn't exactly sure who these folks were posing as her parents. “I pretty much have to book an appointment with them—always on the go and more social than I ever knew them to be. I keep telling the story to my friends for their folks.”
I am always thrilled to hear reports like these. In fact, we are always anxious to have our family members share the Beatitudes Campus story. Did you know that the Friends and Family Referral Program also extends to sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or cousins that recommend a prospect to the campus? We will be hosting two informational sessions later this month to explain how your family member can earn just like our residents by referring qualified prospects to the campus. Rewards are paid out after three months for those successful placements. Be sure to let your family know – we will announce the times and place in the roadrunner soon.
In the meantime, we remain as excited as ever to continue the progress on campus. These are exciting times!
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