This article was originally published in the 's . The Initiative, an offering of , provides physical activity and nutrition education and health promotion to elders throughout Â鶹ӳ».
August 21st is National Senior Citizen Day, a day signed into proclamation on August 19, 1988, by President Ronald Reagan. The proclamation reads, “For all that they have achieved throughout their lives and for all they continue to do; we owe our gratitude and sincere greetings to our senior citizens. We can show our gratitude and appreciation better by making sure our communities are good places. Places where older people can participate as much as possible and find the encouragement, acceptance, support and services they need to continue living a life of independence and dignity."
Raising awareness and supporting you throughout the aging process is what this day is all about. The day is also to recognize your well-being and to appreciate the accomplishments you have had in your lifetime and the current participation you contribute to your community.
This newsletter, and the activities offered by UNR Extension’s Healthy Aging team, can help support your well-being. Today, let’s celebrate YOU! Let us thank you and others in our community who have done so much in their lifetime.
I would like to celebrate Ida Keeling, my husband’s great aunt. Ida took up running in her late 60s after losing her husband to a heart attack. In 2011, at 95, she set the world record in her age group for running 60 meters in 29.86 seconds. She continued setting records in 2012 and 2014, and in 2016, she became the first woman in history to complete a 100-meter run at the age of 100. Ida says she maintains her well-being by eating a healthy diet and exercising routinely to keep herself fit and strong. This year she will celebrate her 106th birthday. Ida, thank you, you are recognized and appreciated!
Natalie Mazzullo is Extension's Healthy Aging coordinator and associate director for the Â鶹ӳ» Geriatric Education Center at the , a unit of the University’s .
For more information about healthy aging, visit the website, an offering of . An EEO/AA Institution.
Extension is a unit of the University's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources engaged in Â鶹ӳ» communities, presenting research-based knowledge to address critical community needs. It is a county-state-federal partnership providing practical education to people, businesses and communities.
