Active seniors may live longer

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 12, 2006 | by Alice Dembner Boston Globe

Manini says he recommends that older people "use more energy throughout the day like our ancestors did. Walk, as opposed to taking the car, do the dishes by hand rather than using the dishwasher, make a meal."

Alfreda Barber may be a living example of the benefits of both exercise and an active daily life. Barber, 92, moved to the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston after several falls made it difficult for her to be on her own. Despite recovering from a hip replacement and a stroke, she exercises for 30 minutes three times a week in the nursing home's gym, walks as much as she can and fills her days with card games, ceramics and other activities.

"It's very important for me to be up and at it," she said. "I feel more alive. I don't feel my age at all."

E-mail: Dembner@globe.com