Aging With Grace: Making arrangements

By Pat Larsen

For Capital Region Independent Media

Perhaps East Durham, Cairo and the surrounding counties and towns have access to the Fountain of Youth because residing within its borders are more elders living with grace and a youthfulness than I’ve ever encountered. 

As a local licensed fitness instructor and  a certified hypnosis therapist, I have witnessed firsthand more vibrancy in the aging here than anywhere else I’ve lived. 

I observed this behavior as I began to notice these “bright lights” who choose to attend one of the many diverse programs that I teach. There was a sparkle in the eye of these ladies and an ease of confidence in their gait that drew my attention immediately. Then their smiles captivated me once the introductions were made. These gals have a secret! 

It’s an interesting process I noted that led these ladies who were  married or single, in partnerships or  widowed, to attend classes. They are always the first to raise their hands with a great question or general comment that got my attention as well as the group. They laughed out loud and often as well.

Recently I taught an event in East Durham entitled “Improving Concentration and Memory as We Age” to a large group at The Shamrock House and several new folks attended. I love inviting the general public to my talks. I especially love that they are comfortable joining us.

Their interest (these very spry elders) surprised me because they already seemed to have unlocked the secrets to aging with grace by their manner of dress and youthful demeanor, and had a great handle and understanding on what it took to improve their ability to concentrate and recall day-to-day functions easily.

But they were delighted to have an opportunity to increase their knowledge by participating in the many individual table games and activities that I was offering. They sat attentively and took notes when I spoke to the benefits of eating healthier and learning a new skill like meditation. 

Bravo ladies! 

I found there were several commonalities that each of these very special ladies shared. Here’s the scoop… grab a pencil and paper and start taking notes.

One lovely lady in her late 80’s felt more youthful when realizing that beauty comes from within. It’s not necessarily outside oneself. Smiling showed the world it’s never so bad that sharing a bit of joy through her smile might brighten up someone else’s day. That was a small price to pay forward to make the world a better place.

I laughed out loud when one very sprite gal repeated a phrase I love: “YOU REST, YOU RUST!” She got up and walked every day and not just to the mailbox and back. Whenever possible, she attended a yoga class at the local gym and had done so for over 15 years.

Stretching, she said, had kept her limber and able to get out of bed easily, which started her off on the right foot with the right attitude every single morning. Great idea.

Then there was this sharp “youngster” who shared that the sassier she dressed, the more youthful she felt. Criticisms by her peers made her laugh and encouraged her to find bolder prints and more colorful attire to call attention to her inner sparkle. 

I asked about the traditional aspects and expectations of aging gracefully and was met with yet another surprising response that I have to share.

It universally was the traditions of their youth, and through their aging years, that was the glue that allowed them to choose to be themselves in these elder years. They knew the foundations of kindness and happiness would shine brighter with age rather than to detract. Some graying hairs and a few wrinkles would only enhance their positive attitudes.

The next time you’re in my area of East Durham on a Monday or Thursday morning, stop by to meet some of these great ladies. Just follow the sounds of some oldy but goody music at the Shamrock House and bring your own smile.

I’ll greet you knowing your curiosity was piqued like mine. I promise you’ll immediately get a sense of who in fact is aging gracefully by the sunshine on their faces. 

Pat Larsen is a licensed fitness instructor specializing in senior, baby boomer and elder fitness for ladies and gents. Classes are Mondays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. at The Shamrock House in East Durham. She is also a nationally certified hypnosis therapist. Private in-person one-on-one sessions available by appointment. Contact Pat at 518-275-8686 or email Pelarsen5@aol.com to learn more. Also on Facebook, Pat Larsen.