K.I.S.S. is the acronym Joanie Betsinger of Spring Valley uses to describe her approach to traveling as age moves one into the senior category. “Keep It Simple Silly!” says Joanie. “Know from the ‘get go’ that not everything is going to go according to your plan! Relax, be flexible. Take less, leave the worrying to the people you paid to guide you! Take your time, no one … [Read more...]
Ellingson takes her positive attitude on the road
After living a full and meaningful life with someone, becoming that person’s caregiver is a role many of us have never considered, much less planned on. Taking life day by day and having a positive attitude can help with the adjustment as Lilah Ellingson experienced in recent years. Lilah Jane (Hildestad) Ellingson was born to Carl and Amelia Hildestad on March 17, 1935. … [Read more...]
Laughlin says being active is key as we age
“I can’t express enough about physical fitness,” states 75-year-old Ron Laughlin, a very busy retiree from Preston, Minn. Laughlin grew up in Madison, S. Dak., and went to school with Sandy Amundson, who he would reconnect with and marry years later. After graduating in 1961, Laughlin enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Gunner’s Mate, serving aboard the USS King. … [Read more...]
How to stay flexible as you age
Men and women may begin to feel less flexible as they get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is because muscles lose both strength and elasticity as the body ages. A lack of flexibility can make men and women more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears. While people might not be able to … [Read more...]
Mabel librarian celebrates 90th birthday and 24 years at the library
“I can’t believe I lived this long to begin with,” Mabel librarian Donna Johnson laughed. Johnson celebrated her 90th birthday on April 8 and has no plans to retire from her job as library director at the Mabel Public Library anytime soon. “Everybody asks when I think I’ll retire. I tell them when it isn’t fun anymore.” Johnson began working at the Mabel library 24 years … [Read more...]