WesleyLife, Iowa’s largest non-profit provider of services for older adults, has taken up the torch to be the most dynamic and inclusive champion to revolutionize the experience of aging. An important part of that effort is creating opportunities for those we serve to pursue joy as a key component of growing older. Vera Rogers, a resident of one of our Communities for Healthy Living, illustrates how we do that — and how well it can work. 

Joy in Movement 

At 91, Vera Rogers would characterize her life as a happy one. And she credits something simple for her outlook.

“I don’t mind getting older as long as I still feel young — and I feel that way when I keep moving,” Vera says. “I started joining gyms when I retired, and I rarely miss my exercise class! It’s what keeps me going.”

Vera moved into an independent living apartment in a WesleyLife community in 2018, and she quickly became an important part of the campus’s “pioneer” group, helping to make new residents feel welcome — often by steering them toward movement. 

“I think a lot of what bothers people as they get older is that they sit around and think too much about things instead of working to stay busy,” Vera says. “When I find myself doing that, I get up and move!”

Myriad benefits 

Vera credits intentional daily movement for her continued heart health, for good balance and posture, for core strength — and for allowing her to feel joyful! She also enjoys weight training, stressing its growing importance as part of her regimen.

“Lifting weights is so important as we age, and it’s also something I really enjoy,” Vera says. “And I have always loved aerobics. The heart is like any other muscle, and it’s good for it to work hard!”

Vera is on the right track; a study published in the National Library of Medicine found that physical activity continues to protect at any age against cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers.

Movement is also associated with improved mental health, prevention of or delay in the onset of dementia, improved quality of life and well-being — and “generalized happiness.”  

Never too late! 

The study says it’s never too late to start exercising; it tells the story of a woman who started walking at 98 and improved her mobility so drastically that she walked a 5K on her 100th birthday. (Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimen.)

Vera intends to keep up her fitness; in addition, she credits her joyful outlook to additional pastimes such as spending time with friends and family. She partakes in happy hours and a Sunday wine group at the community, and she celebrated her 90th birthday in California Wine Country, glass in hand! 

Her advice for people who are having difficulty finding joy in the aging process?

“Being joyful is a decision,” she says. “Realize that life is going to go on no matter how you feel about it. Join a class, listen to some music, and get your body moving. Soon, you might find that your outlook is changing.”