Two 100-year-old sisters share four mental health recommendations

Two sisters who are both 100 years old provide four tips for maintaining mental health as you age. Ruth Sweedler, who is 100 years old, has extensive memory and can discuss current events. Both strangers and family members have commented on it over time. Sweedler says, “My doctor enjoys conversing with me”.

He’d say, “You’re incredible.” I would enquire, “Is it because of my age?” Then he’d say, ‘No! Because you are an adult.'”

Sweedler resides in a Connecticut retirement community. She is pleased with her memory retention. Her mental state is better than any other young lady’s. She states, “I don’t speak like an elderly lady.” Perhaps helps that she doesn’t feel old: “I don’t feel old,” Sweedler, who turned 103 in December, adds.

Her sister Shirley Hodes, who is at an independent living center in North Carolina, some 800 miles away by automobile, has identical sentiments. The 106-year-old Hodes declares, “I’m not that old!” “In all honesty, I do not feel elderly.” She remains enthusiastic about learning new things, especially from books.

Hodes states, “I have never completed a crossword puzzle, but I have always read extensively. This will best benefit your thinking and to improve your mental health.” The sisters provide their top recommendations for maintaining mental health as one age:

Work:

According to her, Sweedler “loved to work.” As a hobby, she performed in local theatre performances, and she was “extremely engaged” in her synagogue and other Jewish organizations. She states, “I’m not particularly religious.” But I am aware that I am Jewish, and I enjoy participating. She completed the Hebrew Bible in six months as part of a synagogue’s lunch-and-learn study club.

As her two children grew older, Hodes obtained a full-time position as a paraprofessional and teacher’s assistant. She worked there for nearly two decades until she was seventy years old. Sweedler states, “I enjoyed my high school job.”

She was aware that she could have been a teacher because of an exam. It would have been wonderful to do. She states, “I have always enjoyed conducting interviews, so I would have wanted to become a journalist.” Now, she uses these skills to get to know the other residents of the facility where she receives assistance.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a career you enjoy, it’s crucial, according to her, to be interested in what you do. She states, “It’s gratifying to maximize your abilities, and it makes life so much more enjoyable.”

Connect:

Both Hodes and Sweedler emphasize the importance of family and marriage, with Sweedler stating, “There is nothing better.” It’s wonderful to love and be loved.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky. Hodes states, “My husband was an easygoing individual.” They had a “wonderful friendship” till he passed away. She says, “The friends, relatives, and other people you spend a great deal of time with have a significant impact on you.” This is the most significant thing you will remember.

Even though Sweedler’s husband passed away, many of her strong connections have endured for decades. “I prefer to have pals. I love people.” She claims that the rabbi and previous congregational leader continue to visit her.

 

According to Hodes, curiosity keeps the mind active and engaged. He stated, “Some people only care about themselves, but she is not like that.” “I’ve always been fascinated by the histories and stories of others. They are filled with surprises.” She continues, “People enjoy talking about themselves.” Give them an opportunity to speak, and pay attention to what they say.

Learn:

Sweedler enjoys entertainment that transports her or provides her with fresh things to consider. In her youth, she and her pals enjoyed frequenting the theatre. The plays we saw were outstanding!

Now she says, “I no longer watch television, save for the news. After dark, I watch PBS.” CBS’s “60 Minutes” is her favorite television programme.

And she states, “I enjoy reading!” That is what I enjoy doing.

‘While ill or dealing with other challenges, older adults can become absorbed in themselves. Hodes adds that this can make it difficult to maintain an open mind. As soon as she retired, her desire to continue learning drove her to enroll in free classes at the local college. Even though she had to sit in the front row in order to see and hear the instructor, she performed really well in class.

She has also gained further knowledge through art and literature. She declares, “I have some wonderful books”: She has recently listened to factual audiobooks about elephants, the Jews of Salonika, and Jessye Norman, an American opera soprano. This is what makes the information so intriguing: “There is always something fresh to learn!”

Appreciate:

Young Hodes never had the opportunity to attend college. It is one of the few things she regrets doing. They were the youngest of eight siblings living in a cramped flat. Their parents were immigrants who had to work hard to provide for their family. “We had to be cautious since there were so many of us,” she recalls.

She is aware that “you cannot have everything.” And “when the significant things in life are there in your life, you must recognize it.”

“What is my identity? I’m incredibly fortunate.” I’ve been ill and had difficulties, but I’ve overcome them “she says. “I am in good health, content with my health, and appreciative for a wonderful life. This motivates me and gives me strength.”

Sweedler is currently unable to move. She used to walk many miles every day, but now she is unable to move about well enough to even go outside daily. She desires her body to be as robust as her head.

However, she is content with what she has. She exclaims, “Thank goodness I can still read because I’m a voracious reader.” Hodes shares the same sentiments. To live a long and healthy life, she argues, “attitude doesn’t hurt.” “I am satisfied. I have been blessed.

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