Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton
Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton
Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton
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<strong>Rock</strong>s <strong>Stars</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Aging</strong><br />
56<br />
SOCIAL<br />
42: Centenarians Are Active in Their Communities<br />
“Sometimes you can best take care <strong>of</strong> yourself <strong>by</strong> taking care <strong>of</strong><br />
others." -- Kamada Nakasato, 102, Okinawa<br />
Centenarians enjoy feeling part <strong>of</strong> their communities and love to help<br />
others. Almost every centenarian we have interviewed either still<br />
does volunteer work or did until fairly recently. Their volunteer<br />
experiences are as varied as they are. Many help out at churches,<br />
historical societies, libraries and senior centers.<br />
At 100, Irene Johnson still volunteers for Meals on Wheels, delivering<br />
hot meals to seniors 40 years her junior who are unable to leave<br />
home. "I try not to act like it," said Johnston, about being a<br />
centenarian. "I'd be in bed most <strong>of</strong> the time if I acted like it."<br />
Why do they volunteer? Many centenarians have told us that it does<br />
more for them than those they serve. They enjoy feeling needed and<br />
appreciated. Research confirms that volunteering is good for brain<br />
health and the social interaction is good for physical well-being.<br />
<strong>Rock</strong> <strong>Stars</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Aging</strong><br />
56
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