Living a Long and Full Life

He has a full life for anyone at any age, but even more so for someone who celebrated his 100th birthday in August. Experts say that staying busy helps people such as Adams live longer and have a higher quality of life.

“They stay busy with some meaningful activity,” says Dr. Robert Parker, chief of the division of community geriatrics at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, about seniors who age well. “They have a reason to get up in the morning.”

Adams, a resident at Morningside Ministries at Chandler Estate, is also careful about his health.

“I watch what I eat,” he says. “I exercise.”

Other seniors offer these keys to longevity:

“A body in motion stays in motion. I play tennis, I walk. I try to do something every day. You don’t have to walk real fast. Just get up to do it. You have to have the right mind-set. You’ve got to be optimistic. Always try to be positive.”

Leonard Stern, 88, competitive tennis player and race walker in the National Senior Games

“If anything hurts, I tell everybody, don’t talk about it. Some little something always hurts, but don’t say anything because it gets worse. I’m never depressed because I stay so busy. I’ve had a trainer for 12 years. I feel blessed that I feel good enough that I leave the house between 7 and 7:30 every day. I come to the office every day and I’m still on the payroll. My work is all with nonprofits. I’m not retired, I’m recycled.”

Rosemary Kowalski, 88, founder of The RK Group

“Find something you like doing and do it. Keep involved. I’ve belonged to the Elks Lodge over 50 years. I’ve belonged to the Masonic Lodge over 50 years. Mean something in the community. Do something worthwhile. I’m the only Pearl Harbor survivor left in this part of the country, so I’m always being called to talk about it, so that’s interesting and fun. Where there are places like our (Dietert) senior center (in Kerrville), take advantage of that. And Schreiner University is always sponsoring things that are available to us. We have the theater group, Playhouse 2000, which is amateur but very good. I couldn’t ask for a better life as a senior.”

Robert Brunk, 89, U.S. Navy veteran, Kerrville

“I just don’t worry about everything. I talk with people. I have many friends.”

Raquel Mathis, 101, resident at Morningside Ministries at Chandler Estate.

“Exercise. It keeps you from being too fat. Don’t carry extra weight. I swim and I also do exercise lying on the floor, ones that keep your body limber. I swim every day, for 40 years. I’m on 20 boards, which is like a full-time job.”

Edith McAllister, 95, philanthropist

Originally published by the San Antonio Express News. All original content may be found here.

Why our residents love us

My parents moved into their Meadows independent living (atrium) apartment almost 2 years ago, from another city. Their (and our) experience here has exceeded our highest hopes. From the compassionate, friendly, helpful staff to the delicious meals, activities, their apartment, amenities, and welcoming residents, we could not have imagined or found a better place for them to be for this season of life! We 5 "kids" are so thankful that they are happy, safe, comfortable, busy, and have made wonderful new friends, both residents and staff. Thank you, MM! It's definitely worth checking out for YOUR parents, too. (Or yourself!)

I learned about Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs when two of my neighbors moved there. Another friend and I frequently drove from our home in Kerrville to visit and play bridge with them. I don't think we ever left that one of us didn't say " I'd like to live here someday." When I realized that "someday" was fast approaching I started visiting retirement communities in several places, including my former home in Colorado where I still had close friends. None of them were as attractive physically as Morningside and none offered as much in the way of programs and services. I chose Morningside for three basic reasons: security, convenience and the sense of a caring community. I have the security of knowing that I will always be cared for, the convenience of having all my needs met in one place and the joy of living in a community where everyone, residents and staff, are considered as family.

My wife and I have been residents in the Independent Living Menger House Apartments at Morningside Ministries at Menger Springs for four years. We chose Menger Springs because of its Hill Country location, excellent and beautiful facilities along with their commitment to personal care and to truly care for those who have cared for so many others by a Not For Profit Christian Corporation. We knew that regardless of what challenges or changes we might meet in the days and years ahead, Menger Springs would be able to provide the care for us. My wife feels so secure here and has the option of participating in so many activities, pursue individual endeavors or to feel free to remain in our apartment. We are so pleased to be residents at Morningside Ministries Menger Springs in beautiful Boerne! I highly recommend it!

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