Washington woman stays active to maintain independent living goals

Independent living can be maintained as one ages, argues one elderly Washingtonian who fits aquarobics classes, frequent swimming trips and walking her dog to stay fit.


Carol DeLaughter says that the renewed commitment to stay healthy has enabled her to lose 31 pounds, as well as a way to find a support network among her classmates, according to the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.


The YMCA Lighten Up Team has "made a new person out of me," she told the newspaper.

"I didn’t know old age was going to be this much fun."


While DeLaughter says her routine was partly in response to diabetes, researchers at UNC Chapel Hill say that seniors may improve their brains as well as their aerobic capability if they exercise.


The study involved scanning the brains of participants over age 60, half of whom had exercised frequently, and half of whom exercised less than an hour a week.


"The active adults had more small blood vessels and improved cerebral blood flow," said senior author Dr J. Keith Smith. "These findings further point out the importance of regular exercise to healthy aging."


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