Age your way: rocking chairs and fireplaces are fine. But you might want to consider some health-building additions to your retirement years

Vibrant Life, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Barbara Anan Kogan

Book Discussion Groups

You'll find them in apartment complexes, social centers, local bookstores, and libraries. Everyone receives the same homework assignment and then, at the next gathering, ideas and concepts are discussed, questions asked, information shared--all centered on the book being read. Chatting with attendees after the discussion offers additional life-learning lessons and sparks lasting friendships.

Music

Play an instrument or sing? Such activities keep the hands moving and lungs pumping, which, in turn, improves breathing, promotes improved blood flow, and brings relaxation. Sometimes, the resumption of piano lessons first taken as a child brings about the most joy while incorporating mind-body activity and the expression of emotions. If your music is of a religious nature, you can add "spiritual blessing" to the benefit list as well.

The American Music Therapy Association in Silver Spring, Maryland (phone: 301-589-3300, Web site: www.musictherapy.org) will refer you to a college-educated professional who can assist you. He or she will help you use music to reduce the anxiety, depression, or pain you may be feeling while improving your breathing and motion. You'll become an active participant in the music world, using instruments ranging from bells to drums. On the Web site you'll find extensive information about music's therapeutic benefits and how, at nursing homes, individuals have suddenly begun to communicate, move, and smile again.

Church Activities

Regular midweek and Sabbath attendance at your local church allows you to function as pan of a community; an extension of a spiritual family. You might consider teaching a Bible class, serving as a deacon or greeter, or simply warming the heart of your pastor with an occasional and heartfelt "Amen!"

Many churches offer educational classes focusing on how to remain active and healthy as the years go by.

Then there's the annual health fair, such as the one held yearly at the Capitol Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D.C. Visitors receive free testing for high blood pressure and learn the newest technique for controlling weight by knowing the proper way to determine body fat. This information plays a role in emphasizing the need to reduce one's body mass index (BMI). Special scales are now available to the public and can provide the incentive needed to reduce portion size, fat intake, and to exercise more.

Bone density screening for osteoporosis and spinal evaluations by chiropractors highlight the need for additional medical care to prevent the onset or progression of aging dysfunction or diseases.

Faith-based Doctor

When was the last time your doctor prescribed prayer? A former Georgetown University physician, who now practices a few blocks from the White House, published a study in the Southern Medical Journal about the positive impact of prayer on those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Aging your way may mean finding a physician who shares and utilizes the power of a spiritual belief system.