By Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
Email: Beverly.Clark@RLACEI.org
Carrie’s Corner
Carrie A. Gabriel began working for the City in 1946 and retired in 1978. She was featured in Alive! earlier this year when she celebrated her 100th birthday Jan. 28. With all the wisdom, experiences and changes she has seen throughout the 20th and now 21st centuries, we thought it would be interesting to get her perspective on various topics of the day. If any reader is interested in her opinion or viewpoint on a certain topic, please contact Beverly Clark at Beverly.Clark@RLACEI.org.
What advice do you have for seniors to maintain a good, positive outlook and to preserve their mental health and acuity as they get older?
It is very important to watch your diet, exercise and keep moving. I have a stationary bike that I use to stay moving. I don’t use it as often as I used to because of a health issue that limits my use. However, whenever I can move, I do.
Last week I took the DASH bus to the bank. I walked to the bus stop and then walked from my drop-off point to the bank. I had to stop and rest in intervals – after all, I am 100 – but I made it back to catch the bus. From the bank, I walked back to catch the bus and went to have some pictures made at a camera shop. Then from there I took the bus back home. I don’t move as fast as I used to, but I keep moving.
I take Access, a public transportation service for people who have disabilities and are unable to use regular public bus and train services, to my various appointments. I also use Uber, especially for returns home.
Also, it is important to have friends to talk with even if you don’t see them often. I love to talk. Since the pandemic, I don’t see many friends as often, and social activities have been severely limited. However, I do keep in touch by calling friends and family, and they call me as well. I have friends who call from out of state to check on me, and I check on them.
I use my computer. I read and keep up with current events, which also helps me to stay mentally alert.
Remember to keep moving!
