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28 | THE COLONY NEWS | DECEMBER 2020 | By Ann Carter, The Colony's Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer Having worked with and specialized in older adults through training and aerobics for over 20 years, as well as keeping up with all my continued education credits (and the fact that I'm a nerd and listen to all the podcasts I can find that pertain to aging), I feel like I've learned a thing or two. In my opinion, there seem to be about 15 keys to a healthier life. 1. Exercise. As my earlier article on telomeres states, it really does change us on a cellular level. You don't need to do a spin class or a marathon; just walk, play paddle tennis or take one of my classes - but MOVE! 2. Diet. You are what you eat. High cholesterol: add oatmeal and fish to your diet. (I promise that alone will drop your cholesterol number within a month.) High blood pressure: add cinnamon, leafy greens, unsalted nuts and seeds. 3. Regular medical checkups. Be proactive in your health care. Do research and make sure you keep and bring a list of questions. (I always get so nervous I forget stuff without it.) Then write down what the doctor recommends and DO it! 4. Regular dental checkups. Bad teeth and gums can affect your heart through bad bacteria. 5. Challenge your brain daily. Word or number puzzles, card games, learning a new language, learning dance steps – all exercise the mind. 6. Keep your friends and family close, especially now! 7. Socialize. I know with COVID-19 it's a little hard, but we really are social animals. Call up old friends and talk (not just Facebook — although that's good, too)! 8. Take your prescribed medication. If you have adverse reactions, let your doctor know. There are often different medications that can accomplish the same outcome. 9. Sleep. Make sure you get enough, and if not, take naps. Take naps even if you do get enough sleep. (Can you tell I'm a huge believer in naps?) Even if I just lie down and read, it helps revitalize me and, being in a prone position, gives my back a break. 10. Volunteer. It helps take your mind off yourself and usually adds gratitude along with helping someone else. Again, it's a little hard right now with COVID-19, but after it's over, check with your local library on all the different opportunities available for volunteers. 11. Laugh. Laughter is a wonderful natural medicine. If you don't have time to watch a funny movie or show, just go on YouTube and watch funny videos. 12. Gratitude. Think of 10 things you are grateful for every day and thank the one responsible, human or divine, for each one. 13. Get a dog. People will get out to walk their dog twice a day, but not for themselves. Plus, science has shown that petting an animal can and does lower blood pressure. Cats work, too. (As you can tell, I'm a dog person – LOL!) 14. Posture. Good posture helps your spine and gait. Remember: shoulders up, back down, and tummies pulled in. 15. Spirituality. (I saved the best for last!) Spiritual people really do stress less which, in turn, leads to a healthier life. I'm not sure these 15 points will add to the length of our lives, but I know they will definitely help us live till the day we die. (You know what I mean!) KEYS TO A LONG HEALTHY LIFE COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Drop off non-perishable food donations at the HOA Clubhouse for the Murrieta food pantries. Donations taken Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 4, 9 am to 4 pm each day. Please package groceries in bags or boxes. Sponsored by the Sunshine Committee