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Used with permission of Chagrin Valley / Solon Times

Keys to a Good, Long Life  
Stay active, reduce stress at Laurel Lake

February 27, 2008

Centuries ago, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon spent a lifetime searching for the proverbial fountain of youth.

Today, new scientific research suggests that the real fountain of youth could be closer than you think. It’s not found in a bubbling spring, but rather in the rejuvenating effects that an active, stress-free lifestyle can have on your body at the cellular level, slowing the rate at which you age.

What’s Your Biological Age?

New studies suggest that many factors – but especially stress and inactivity – may not only increase the risk of developing age-related illnesses, but may actually impede a cell's ability to divide and replicate, eventually leading to cell degeneration (aging).

A 2008 British study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who are physically active may be biologically younger than their "couch potato" counterparts. Subjects averaging 200 minutes of exercise per week had more "youthful" white blood cells, like those of a person 10 years younger.

Scientists at the University of California at San Francisco have also found that chronic stress plays a key role in determining longevity. In the study, people with low stress levels had cells with more youthful characteristics than those with high stress.

Other reports out of Harvard, the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins have established links between brain fitness training, aerobic exercise – even how much you socialize – and "younger" bodies and minds.

Don’t Worry, Be Active

These findings confirm what wellness experts at Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson have known for years: Smart lifestyle choices can improve not just quality of life, but quantity as well.

"Every day, we see people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s actively taking charge of their health," says Wellness Manager Susan Busko, a certified senior fitness specialist.

"They start with the decision to move to Laurel Lake, a community perfectly designed to help them stay active. Once here, they dive in to campus activities. We’re seeing record numbers enroll in our fitness, travel and continuing education programs."

Lifelong Wellness: Residents have the advantage of a lifetime membership in Laurel Lake’s Fitness Center, offering the latest innovations in wellness. Not only does exercise improve their physical state, but it relieves stress and creates endorphins that reduce anxiety. Over 56% of residents participate in one or more fitness activities on a regular basis, including total body fitness, strength training, water aerobics, tai chi and yoga meditation.

Pursuing Passions: Doing what you love keeps minds and bodies active, while reducing stress. Laurel Lakers have instant access to more than 70 lifestyle programs on and off campus – such as Travel Club or watercolor classes. Newcomers to the community inspire new additions to the program mix as they join.

Staying Connected: In a study of people age 65 or older, Harvard researchers found that those with at least five social ties – church groups, social groups, classmates, etc. – were less likely to suffer cognitive decline and (not surprisingly) more likely to have a lively social calendar. Laurel Lake residents have ample opportunity to make social connections on a weekly basis.

Challenge Your Brain: Older adults are flocking to Laurel Lake’s "Keys to a Sharp Mind" lifelong learning program, funded by a grant from the Reinberger Foundation. Last month’s "Art & Architecture" series taught by Canton Museum of Art executive director Manuel J. Albacete attracted hundreds of students from Laurel Lake and surrounding communities. "Keys to a Sharp Mind" promotes cognitive fitness in older adults through the use of intellectually, socially stimulating programs.

To learn more about Laurel Lake, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community offering multiple home styles within 150 scenic acres in Hudson, call 1-866-650-2100 or visit www.laurellake.org