Thriving at 80: My Mum’s guide to staying sharp, fit, and socially engaged

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This special Q&A is with an extraordinary woman who happens to be my incredible role model – my mum Lana.

I'm Sarah Aldworth, the Head of Health Promotion and Marketing at Tend. I'm also a mother to two wonderful young girls, navigating the complex yet rewarding journey of the sandwich generation. Having a mother who is proactive and engaged with her healthcare is a blessing.

At 80 years old she lives alone and bravely faces the daily challenges of Parkinson's and breast cancer.  She has undergone a mastectomy, takes a cocktail of medication a day and prefers to talk about other people than her woes.

She's a shining example of how to thrive despite life's health hurdles. She is navigating her challenges with a blend of grace, wisdom and resilience that inspires us all. Let’s dive into Lana's secrets to a vibrant, healthy life.

Q1: How are you keeping your mind sharp and engaged in your golden years?

Lana: "I believe staying mentally active is crucial. I can be found on my phone a bit, playing The New York Times Wordle every day, or reading the online news. I do also love to test my general knowledge every evening watching the trivia show The Chase. 

I belong to a women's discussion group that meets monthly (I am going to put these questions on the next agenda!), which is stimulating and social and I also play Mahjong once a week with a group of ladies—it’s a great mental workout and a good excuse to get out of the house and eat cake! 

Volunteering at the local hospice op shop every Friday gives me a sense of purpose and community, and you can scoop some super bargains! My share group meets monthly, where we trade stocks and share investment tips. Gosh this is making me sound quite social isn't it!

My social circle is simply wonderful, but then I have always been quite a social person and I have just kept that up as I have aged. I moved into a smaller place and made a point of meeting the neighbours, and as they say, they have become good friends! It’s comforting knowing they're there if I ever need anything."

Q2. What's your trick to staying spry and youthful?

Lana: "Daily walks are my secret. They help me stay agile and are good for keeping my fitness up. I start my day early, getting up at 7am and meet my neighbour for an hour-long walk, regardless of the weather. I wear a smartwatch and aim for 10k steps a day. 

I used to do aqua aerobics, but now I attend a weekly community aerobics class—thankfully, no lycra is required!  I also love gardening; it's very therapeutic and keeps me moving. Before my husband passed, he bought me an electric mower to make lawn mowing easier, and I’m quite proud of my weekly mowing sessions."

Q3. What foods do you swear by to stay healthy?

Lana: "For me, it's less about specific foods and more having people over and trying out a recipe or two. I often invite friends over, which motivates me to cook something delicious. My motto has been  - if you can read you can cook - I aim for a colourful plate with plenty of fresh vegetables. 

I got a bit of a fright last year when I fell and broke my arm. It was such a silly fall and made me realise how delicate my old bones are, so I do try and incorporate lots of yoghurt into my diet. My generation never really indulged in fast foods so they are a rarity for me. 

Q4. How do you navigate healthcare appointments?

Lana: "It can be challenging, especially with long wait times to see the GP. If I have concerns, I ask to speak to a nurse to bridge the gap. I make it a point to schedule annual appointments with my specialists. 

Support groups for Parkinson's have been incredibly helpful; they offer speakers and it's great to share experiences and tips with others facing the same journey. A useful tip I’ve discovered: if you need to take regular medication, set a daily alarm on your phone; when it rings, take your pill!"

Q5: What's the most rewarding part of this stage of your life?

Lana: "Watching my children grow up and live by the values I taught them is incredibly rewarding.”

Q6: Have you got any words of wisdom for younger women and their health journey?

Lana: “Develop interests independently of others and keep your identity intact. Regularly ask yourself, “What am I doing for myself?” It may feel selfish, but it is vital that you make time for you -  no one else will. 

Continue learning something new each day and always strive to do good for others.”

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