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Living Life After 50
January 2025
Kurtz Leads A Full Life Volunteering See Page 6
2025
Elko Edition REaching ElkhaRt, kosciusko, noblE and lagRangE countiEs
Vol. 37, No. 11
New year, new you —
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Five things to try in By MARISSA SWEATLAND Staff Writer At the top of each new year, people across the globe set new year resolutions that often fall off by February. Sometimes choosing a new year’s resolution can be challenging or overwhelming. This year, try one of these five things to create a better, healthier, more well-rounded you. Join A Social Club As we age, it is easier and easier to fall into the depth of social isolation. Social isolation and loneliness can affect your health and well-being. Studies show social isolation is closely linked with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. Social clubs are built to bring people of similar interests and age groups together. “Joining a social club like Owls Club offers seniors a unique opportunity to learn, play, connect, and serve,” said Maggie Okponobi, executive director of Owls Club. Elkhart-based Owls Club is a social club designed for ages 55 and better. Memberships are free and members can look forward to a variety of different benefits, including building relationships with friends and learning new skills. Owls Club offers a wide variety of activities and their event calendar is constantly growing. Volunteer Your Time and Talent Another good way to fight social isolation is by volunteering your time at a charity or not-for-profit organization. Volunteering is a great and easy way to give back to the community you live in. Volunteering can help you find a sense of purpose, increase physical activity, boost self-esteem and improve mental health.
To find a place to volunteer, search the organization or charity you are interested in and find the “volunteer” tab or contact them directly via phone or email. Try a New Sport or Exercise Class Exercise is incredibly important to stay healthy. Exercise has many health benefits for seniors, including lowering risk of heart disease and stroke, strengthening bones and muscles and enhancing cognitive function. “Staying active is crucial for everyone, but it holds special significance for seniors,” Okponobi explained. “I always say the hardest part of staying active is taking that first step of putting on your workout clothes and showing up. But once you do, the rewards are well worth the effort.” Owls Club offers a range of exercise classes, including chair yoga, pilates, cardio drumming, line dancing and beginners and advanced pickleball. These exercises classes are designed to get your body moving, blood pumping and muscles strengthening. Explore New Cuisines Health and nutrition go hand in hand. Eating a balanced diet can help improve your health in a variety of different ways, including regulating body weight, stabilizing blood sugar and preventing energy crashes and improving bone health. “Eating a balanced diet is crucial for seniors because it provides the essential nutrients needed to maintain energy, support immune function, and promote overall well-being,” Emily Christ, health and human services educator at Elkhart County’s Purdue Extension, explained. Trying new foods has many benefits, such as providing different nutrients and developing a more Continued on page 2
SOCIAL EVENTS — Roscoe Enfield, left, and Donna Enfield enjoy one of the many social events Owl Club offers, including holiday dinners, new member mixers and public outings and trips. Photo provided by Owls Club.
BE HEART SMART — Emily Christ holds nutrition classes that teach community members how to be as “heart smart” as possible. Photo provided by Emily Christ.
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