Jewish Community News

News: May 2008

91-year-old gives tips for staying healthy and engaged

Dr. Sol Carson, 91, is a retired professor emeritus from the State University in Pennsylvania. He is believed to be the most senior member of the APJCC and can be seen many days a week exercising in the gym. Below, APJCC trainer Stephanie Torres asks what keeps Carson going.
Stephanie:What do you think is the secret to longevity?
Dr. Carson: It is a combination of things... eating right and living right.
Stephanie:What kinds of foods do you recommend?
Dr. Carson: Chicken soup! I make a big pot and just keep putting in vegetables.
Stephanie: What else?
Dr. Carson: Getting your exercise is very important.
Stephanie: Tell me what you recommend.
Dr. Carson: Older people can just do what they can. If they can walk, they should just start walking. If they can get into the pool, then swim. If they are able, they should go to the gym and just do a little bit each day. They don’t have to put on a lot of weights, just get in there a couple of days a week, and go easy.
Stephanie: Good advice. What about having a purpose in your life? What inspires you?
Dr. Carson: I love to paint. I am inspired by nature. If I lived seven lifetimes I couldn’t exhaust nature’s sources for inspiration. As long as I can paint, I am happy. When I exercise, eat right, and keep my attitude in the right place, I am fine.
Stephanie: How do you keep your attitude in the right place?
Dr. Carson: I say a prayer every morning. It reminds me to observe all the commandments and gives me a feeling of being very connected with something greater than myself.
Stephanie:  Tell me, have you always exercised and been in good shape? I saw you on the weights in the gym and I am very impressed!
Dr. Carson: I guess it all started when I was digging ditches for the WPA (the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal agency that was established as a relief measure to put people back to work during the Great Depression). From there I just kept my body in pretty good shape.
Stephanie: What are your plans for the future?
Dr. Carson: I am working on getting an exhibit for my paintings here at the JCC. I would love to share my work with my community and really get more exposure for my art.
Stephanie: Good idea.  It inspires me to see older healthy people and it excites me to see how great you are in the gym. I was really impressed! What advice do you have for other seniors?
Dr. Carson: I think if any seniors are having a hard time getting started, they should just do it. They can start slowly at first, sit at the edge of your bed until you are more ready to get up each day. Practice your deep breathing and eventually start walking. Walk around your neighborhood or just go to the gym and get on a treadmill. Ifyou do a little bit each day, you will see how your life gets better, slowly but surely, and it is really worth it.