Author: Leslie Toldo
At 98-years-young Jean Craig-Flynn swims for an hour every day. She took the sport up when she was in her 70s.
“My husband Richard and I were high school sweethearts, married 53 years. When he died, I was having a tough time with the grief process,” Jean remembered. “I went up to our cottage and got into the lake. I noticed I felt a lot better afterwards. When I got home, I started going to a pool and swimming laps.”
Swimming started as a way to help Jean get through her tremendous loss, but it has no doubt benefitted her in many other ways. In fact, that daily exercise is likely one reason Jean is aging so gracefully.
“In lifestyle medicine, which is a relatively new specialty, we focus on six evidence-based pillars to achieve healthy aging,” said McLaren Flint Internal Medicine geriatric specialist Dr. Halina Kusz. “Exercise is one of them.”
Diet is another of those pillars, particularly focusing on whole and plant-based foods. Jean, who is hyperglycemic also fell into a very healthy eating habit because of the condition.
“At first I thought it was terrible that I couldn’t have a lot of sugar, but it’s really been a blessing,” Jean said. “It’s kept my weight down and I think it’s kept me healthy.”
Jean’s stellar health at 98 rests on more than two pillars. One of the keys to her longevity, according to Dr. Kusz, is Jean’s very active social life. Not only is she surrounded by her three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren- Jean has a lot of friends, and continues to make new ones.
“Friends are important. I have lost many dear friends over the years, many I have been very close to,” Jean confided. “The secret is to keep making new, younger friends. I meet many of them at the pool. I call them my ‘pool pals’. It’s fun!”
Keeping positive social connections is linked to another pillar- stress management.
“Simply viewing aging in a positive way is powerful,” said Dr. Kusz. “As is having a sense of purpose, gratitude, resilience, and happiness.”
Jean practices a positive mindset and works hard at staying grateful, relying on her faith to see her through challenges.
“If you have faith, you can go through just about anything, because you know the Lord is with you,” Jean said. “I have had times that I have been down, but I think when you do get down, you know He is going to be there with you to see you through. I am grateful for all the challenges He has seen me through and the many blessings I have received.”
Getting good sleep and avoiding risky substances are the last two pillars. The trick to reaping the benefits of all six of them is to start when you are young, rather than waiting until you are in a health crisis to start.
“Living an unhealthy lifestyle that leads to chronic diseases has the greatest negative impact on our aging process,” said Dr. Kusz.
Research shows developing some chronic conditions can contribute directly to our brain health as we age, as well.
“As many as 40 percent of dementia cases could be attributed to modifiable risk factors including low education, midlife hearing loss, obesity, hypertension, late-life depression, smoking, physical inactivity, diabetes, and social isolation,” said Dr. Kusz. “Fortunately, our brains have a great reserve and potential to overcome aging changes.”
A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or MIND diets can slow down cognitive decline. So, ultimately, both mentally and physically, healthy aging comes back to the pillars, regular exercise, healthy diet, restorative sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and keeping positive social connections.
“I have had a couple of serious illnesses in my life, but in the end with prayer and great doctors, I have made it through,” said Jean. “I have a lot of adventures. I sing. I walk regularly. I travel. I never imagined I would live this long. As I have gotten into my 90s, people say they can’t believe my age and sometimes I can’t believe it either. “
If you are 65 or older, whether you suffer with chronic diseases or simply want to live healthier in your golden years, you might benefit from the services of a geriatric specialist. To find one at McLaren Flint, visit the find a physician link at mclaren.org/flint.