For more information, contact: For immediate release
Summer Evans, GlynnDevins March 3, 2008
(913) 754-2338, sevans@glynndevins.com
Being Vibrant May Be Key to Improving Later Life
Southbury’s Older Adults Examples of Remaining More Engaged, Healthier
SOUTHBURY, Conn. – As a writer, Al Laster has a lifetime of experience to draw upon. After all, he’s a retired dentist who served as an undercover spy for the U.S. Army during World War II. He now approaches writing with the same gusto he applied to his previous adventures.
Having written everything from musical comedies and poetry to op-eds for the New York Times, Laster has discovered his version of the fountain of youth in writing. Today, he freelances for the Heritage Villager, facilitates the Connecticut Poetry Society of Southbury and serves as a poetry critic.
Laster illustrates how today’s adults are using retirement as a time to explore new avenues of interest to improve their lives now and in the future. He is part of a new generation that is approaching retirement and aging with a new attitude. They don’t just want to live longer—they want to thrive at every age.
“Older adults once focused on the question of, ‘How do I live longer?’” said Michelle Bettigole, executive director of The Watermark at East Hill in Southbury. “But now that people are living longer, the question we hear more often centers around, ‘How can I live better as I live longer?’ The fundamental shift is that individuals don’t want to just live to 80, 90 or 100, but they also want to be as healthy, as active, and also challenge themselves with new interests.”
By embracing new interests—whether physical or mental—Laster’s generation is not letting age or the stereotype of age dictate their lifestyle. According to Bettigole, many residents of The Watermark at East Hill, no matter what age they reach, are finding various ways to stay active and young.
“Older adults, like Al, want to live better in their later years than previous generations did,” said Bettigole, who noted that the average lifespan in the United States is now 78 years. “Perhaps they saw a grandparent or even a parent who lived into their 90s, but who struggled to maintain a quality activity level as they aged. This group is determined not to have that happen to them. They are focused on living better and pursing activities they’re passionate about.”
Research has shown those like Laster are on the right path. Numerous studies, including landmark research by the MacArthur Foundation, demonstrates that successful aging is based more on lifestyle than on genetics, with mental activity playing a key role, too. This is true for seniors like East Hill resident Evelyn Copeland who, at the age of 90, recently wrote her fifth book. As a retired teacher, Copeland is keeping her mind fit by writing memoirs of her life and staying in touch with her students from 40 years ago.
Bettigole suggests that adults evaluate how their lifestyle will change in the next few years. They should ask themselves: Am I motivated and in an environment that contributes to my physical and mental activity? Is my social circle and social activity level expanding or shrinking? Do I have sustainable interests, hobbies or involvements?
“Being surrounded by people with similar interests, similar activity levels and healthy living amenities makes it much more likely that you will maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Bettigole. “That’s the philosophy of wellness behind the lifestyle at The Watermark at East Hill.”
The Watermark at East Hill is located at 611 East Hill Road in Southbury, Conn. For more information, call (203) 262-6161 or (800) 435-4249, or visit the community’s web site at www.WatermarkCommunities.com.
Established in 1987 in Tucson, Ariz., Watermark Retirement Communities owns and operates 10 communities in Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York and Pennsylvania, including The Watermark at East Hill. During the past 20 years, Watermark has earned the trust and respect of more than 16,000 residents. For more information about Watermark Communities, visit their web site at www.WatermarkCommunities.com.
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