May/June 2002 Vol. 4, No. 3

Tips for healthy aging

• Play games that challenge your mind. Do a crossword puzzle. Play chess. Engage in word-oriented activities.
  
• Visit the hobby or craft section at a bookstore. You might spark a new interest or remind yourself of something you never had time to pursue.
  
• Look for new learning opportunities. Take a course through a local high school or college. Volunteer for a position in which you may learn new skills.
  
• Create a story of "my life." It can be shared with family members, as well as set you upon an enlightening memory trip.
  
• Volunteer. Volunteering allows you to remain socially active as well as share your own unique experiences and knowledge. Even in their early 80s, 28 percent of people are still doing volunteer work.
  
• Visit someplace new. Pick a place you’d like to visit and go, either alone or ask a friend. It can be as close as a new restaurant in town or on the other side of the United States.
  
• Organize a video or book discussion group for friends. This not only allows for a regularly scheduled activity that you look forward to, but can provide some stimulating, thought provoking discussions.

[Adapted from Work and Family Life newsletter, May 1999, Susan Ginsberg, editor/publisher, New York City, NY]

Maudie Kelly, MS
Human Development Specialist
KellyME@missouri.edu

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		Editor: Roxanne T. Miller MillerRT@missouri.edu