My Aging Model
If an ideal model for aging could exist, Mrs. Madeline J. Shanks would exemplify it. At the age of 78, she remains active not only in her senior complex but continues to volunteer in her surrounding community. Involved in many different activities, she manages to volunteer, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life all at the same time. Looking back, she accredits much of her success in aging to her healthy diet and lifestyle all throughout her life.
At a young age, her family immigrated to the United States from Scotland and continued their traditional lifestyle which included a diet consisting of "meat, potatoes, and veggies with no dessert." Her daily activities as a child included playing outdoors and extensive periods of walking …show more content…
After battling breast cancer in her late midlife, my grandmother is now once again healthy. My grandfather, however, experienced a downward digression of health due to a rare form of Parkinson's disease. Now at the age of 76, my grandmother continues to take art classes, attend frequent bible studies, and participate in various volunteer projects. She takes part in exercise activities such as Tai Chi, long brisk walks, and other basic stretches. Therefore, the expectations that I previously held were of a wide range. However Mrs. Shanks has extended my view of what a positive attitude, healthy diet, and plenty of lifelong exercise can accomplish. Despite these marginal declines in verbal expression and memory, Mrs. Shanks has demonstrated the ideal path to grow older and wiser. She constantly strives to better herself whether it is through consistent exercise to her body or brain. As an avid reader, she is constantly reading, doing jigsaw puzzles or playing games on her computer. Together, she and Mrs. Makai are now in their second round of a 10 week law class taken at the local community center, enabling them to ask questions and expand their knowledge of law. Able to break through the typical stereotypes of an old and decrepit senior, she claims she still feels like she is in her 40's and "can't wait to experience hopefully a couple
At a young age, her family immigrated to the United States from Scotland and continued their traditional lifestyle which included a diet consisting of "meat, potatoes, and veggies with no dessert." Her daily activities as a child included playing outdoors and extensive periods of walking …show more content…
After battling breast cancer in her late midlife, my grandmother is now once again healthy. My grandfather, however, experienced a downward digression of health due to a rare form of Parkinson's disease. Now at the age of 76, my grandmother continues to take art classes, attend frequent bible studies, and participate in various volunteer projects. She takes part in exercise activities such as Tai Chi, long brisk walks, and other basic stretches. Therefore, the expectations that I previously held were of a wide range. However Mrs. Shanks has extended my view of what a positive attitude, healthy diet, and plenty of lifelong exercise can accomplish. Despite these marginal declines in verbal expression and memory, Mrs. Shanks has demonstrated the ideal path to grow older and wiser. She constantly strives to better herself whether it is through consistent exercise to her body or brain. As an avid reader, she is constantly reading, doing jigsaw puzzles or playing games on her computer. Together, she and Mrs. Makai are now in their second round of a 10 week law class taken at the local community center, enabling them to ask questions and expand their knowledge of law. Able to break through the typical stereotypes of an old and decrepit senior, she claims she still feels like she is in her 40's and "can't wait to experience hopefully a couple