Tips on Living a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Life
by the Clients of the Noble A. McArtor Senior Day Center.

The clients at the Noble A. McArtor Senior Day Center have developed a guide on living a healthy and happy life. The average age of the participants in the program is 80. They come from diverse racial, ethnic, educational and socio-economic backgrounds. What they do have in common is many years of living concurrent with rich experiences that have influenced their ideas and opinions. This document is a product of the collected wisdom of the seniors. It is hoped that these valuable suggestions will be shared with the greater elder community and beyond.

This guide has evolved from its original purpose. The seniors attend a bi-weekly discussion group on current events. A hot topic has been the debate on the current health care reforms proposed in Washington. A discussion on containing health care costs began with the idea that the responsibility of lowering costs begins with us. Tips on prevention were discussed as ways of keeping medical expenses in line. As the group talked about these issues, the discussion evolved from tangible ideas to more lifestyle and philosophical thoughts on how a life that is fulfilling and purposeful can contribute to better health and lower medical care expenses.

Healthy Habits to Stay Well:

• See your doctor on a regular basis
• Be open and honest about your symptoms with your doctor
• Take medication as prescribed
• Eating healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, fish, and low fat meats
• Eat in moderation
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Do not smoke
• Exercise several times per week
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
• Learn to relax and avoid stress
• Take naps as needed but do not oversleep
• Listen to your body. It will guide you

Things to Do to Feel Good about Yourself:

• Smile
• Have a positive attitude
• Have people around you including family and friends
• Develop friendships and ties by doing group activities
• Have a support network
• Give support to others
• Be kind to others
• Share your ideas with others
• Have goals
• Have a pet
• Keep busy
• Laugh a lot
• Have a sense of humor
• Be inquisitive
• Read a book
• Get out (movies, a walk, theatre, restaurant, the casino)
• Listen to music
• Develop a hobby (painting, collecting, etc.)
• Play games (cards, puzzles etc.)
• Get a massage
• Go out dancing
• Volunteer
• Hold hands with someone you like
• Have intimate physical relations
• Learn something new
• Take a risk-get out of your comfort zone
• Assert yourself
• Express your feelings
• Smell the flowers
• Be spontaneous

Gratitude and Pride (the group was asked what they felt grateful about in their lives and what challenges they have overcome)

• I am grateful I live in a safe and warm home
• I am grateful I have lived a long life
• I am grateful I had wonderful parents that positively influenced my life
• I am grateful I can come to this program. - Years ago, because of my race, I would not be allowed to attend
• I am grateful for every day
• I living in the greatest country in the world
• I make the best of everything in my life
• I can get around.
• I am grateful I am independent and can live on my own
• I feel pride that I raised a wonderful family
• I am proud of what I have accomplished in my life
• I am overcame my disability mostly by sheer determination to get better
• I am grateful I can walk again
• I almost died but with a great deal of will and hard work I regained my health
• I am proud I lost a great deal of weight
• I kicked my addiction habit
• My faith in God got me through bad times.
• The support of my family got me through a tough time in my life.
• I have hope - This gets me through bad times
• I am grateful I have good friends to spend time with
• I enjoy helping people
• I gave my best to all of the jobs I held
• I am proud to be an American.