Aging With Energy: Conference Highlights : School of Health Sciences : Simmons College

Alumnae Panel shared their stories about healthy aging. Seated left to right: Priscilla H. Bailey '53, Margaret West Laun '46, Rose Jacobson Novak '62, Karen Stevens Ohlrich '64, Margaret Ramage Ostrander '59, and Peggy Adelson Saslow '44. Photo Credit: Justin Knight

April 16, 2004 — From running races to braving river rapids, a rapidly increasing number of today's "new elderly" are proving that growing old doesn't have to mean life on the sidelines.

Some of these seniors shared their secrets to longevity and enjoying the aging process on Friday, April 16, at the conference, "Building a Healthy Journey: Aging with Energy," sponsored by the Simmons College School of Health Sciences.

A 79-year-old marathon runner, a 63-year-old downhill slalom skier, and a 66-year-old triathlon winner were among panelists who exemplified healthy aging at the Simmons conference. The panel also featured active and athletic older Simmons alumnae, who shared how they have been successful in maintaining a healthy and energetic life.

The Simmons conference also featured a series of workshops with aging experts, nutritionists, nursing instructors, and social workers, who advised the elderly — and those who work with them — how to maintain a healthy mind and body during the aging process.

Keynote Speaker Margaret Morganroth Gullette. Photo Credit: Justin Knight

Keynote speaker Margaret Morganroth Gullette, a pioneer in age studies in the humanities and author of the newly released book Aged by Culture and of Declining to Decline: Cultural Combat and the Politics of the Midlife, spoke on today's largely negative cultural view on aging. Gullette said that age should not be the "difference that makes the difference."

During the Healthy Aging Awards presentation, alumnae's own accounts of their lifestyles were read while their photos were projected onto a screen. Frances Addelson '54SW, one of the founders of Elderhostel, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Healthy Aging. At age 95, she swims every day, and despite macular degeneration, produces an annual Shakespeare program. Addelson, who made a full recovery after a near-fatal car accident at age 83, received the award from Simmons President Dan Cheever during an alumni event in Florida in February.

Phyllis Newton '44 received the Most Accomplished Alumna Award. Co-founder of the Needham (MA) Pool and Racquet Club and a certified tennis instructor, Newton plays tennis four times a week - though she's nearly 80. She also teaches bridge, produces and directs musicals, and volunteers at a hospice and schools.

Grace Noren Newton '45, the "most inspiring" alumna, didn't start exercising until her 60s. Diagnosed with a heart murmur as a girl, she had been warned against exertion. Today, she walks two miles at least five days a week. On her 69th birthday, she and her husband walked partway down the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail. Newton attended the event with her daughter.

Afternoon breakout sessions included topics on sexuality and aging, spirituality and aging, what seniors need to know about community services, recommendations for the best health screenings for those over 50, how to use nutrition and physical therapy to help maintain an active lifestyle, and a special session for Caribbean and Latino elders.

» Aging With Energy: Conference Highlights

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