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Recreation
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City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
"When I Get Older…"
March 16, 2026
By Kim Elliott, CLP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell
"When I get older, I'm going to…"
These are words we hear throughout life. We hear them from our kids when they are still
impressionable. They want to be fireman, policemen, astronauts, scientists, parents,
etc… They want to be just like you and me.
We hear these words from our brothers, sisters, friends and coworkers. We even hear
ourselves saying the same thing if we admit it. What are we going to do when we get older?
I don't think that anyone has actually found the fountain of youth, so, getting younger is
just not an option.
The United States population is getting older. That is a fact. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Census in 1992, the actual median age of the U.S. has increased from 30.0 in
1980 to a projected 41.8 in 2030. America is getting older! This is not a new concept. We
have known this fact for quite some time because Baby Boomer statistics tell us that this
is the case.
President John F. Kennedy in 1963 understood what was happening. He said the following
in a special message to Congress:
The increase in the life span and in the number of our senior citizens presents
this Nation with increased opportunities: the opportunity to draw upon their skill and
sagacity--and the opportunity to provide the respect and recognition they have earned. It
is not enough for a great nation merely to have added new years to life--our objective
must also be to add life to those years.
What are we going to do when we get older? This is a legitimate question that deserves
an honest answer. It appears that we have choices that we can make. These choices are
dependent upon our attitude.
One of those choices is to be physically active.
Physically active older adults have lower blood pressure than do their less active
counterparts. Women can attain higher bone density throughout childhood participation in
organized sports and fitness programs, thereby establishing a strong health base to combat
osteoporosis in later years. The Rand Corporation in 1993 determined that for each
additional mile walked or run by a sedentary person, that individual would add an extra 21
minutes to his/her life. Researchers have found that men who reported burning at least
1500 calories in vigorous exercise each week had a 25 percent lower death rate on average
than those whose exercise consumed no more than 150 calories per week. Active middle-aged
and older populations have lower total cholesterol levels than do their less active
counterparts. Studies done at Ohio State and Stanford Universities show that women who
engage in regular strength training after menopause experienced significant gains in the
bone mass of the spine and in overall muscle strength which leads to greater mobility and
self reliance.
These are only a few of the benefits that physically active adults receive. Adults can
also be active mentally and socially. There are benefits to be received in these areas,
also. Generally, those who are physically active are also active in other aspects of their
life. The choice has to be made first before the benefits can be received.
Physically active older adults also have a lot to share with the community. Because
they feel better and are healthier, they have the opportunity to give back to the
community. This also involves a choice.
"When I get older, I'm going to be active physically, mentally and socially
knowing that when I do I will reap the benefits of an active lifestyle."
One of the places for the The Roswell Recreation Department oversees the operation of
the Roswell Adult Center (RAC), A Veterans Memorial. The RAC is a place for all adults
aged 18 and over to interact with one another. People make a choice to participate in the
activities at the RAC.
Why shouldn't you make that choice today? Remember! Ashley Montagu said, "The idea
is to die young, as late as possible."
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless...TM
