Woman, 80, Plays Instruments To Stay Mentally Sharp

CLEVELAND -- Joan Mortimer, who has a doctorate, will be 80 years old in May. She loves life and learning.

In this week's Successful Aging report, NewsChannel5 takes a look at her daily schedule at Judson Manor. The schedule is likely to tire out people half her age.

"I have a lot of energy," she said.

Judson's bell choir is one of the activities that she believes keeps her mentally sharp.

She also plays the flute.

"I try to practice and hour everyday. I love to," she said.

Mortimer also attends a class at Case Western Reserve University, where she used to teach.

She also enjoys reaching out to others.

When she was in her 30s, she worked with a local group that helped improve education in city schools by establishing libraries and kindergarten programs.

"Can you believe in most of the Cleveland Schools, (they) did not have a kindergarten?" she said.

Mortimer credits that early social involvement as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle now.

Many medical studies indicate staying mentally active is just as important as staying physically active, WEWS reported.

She also has a positive outlook on life.

"It is no longer anything to waste a particular amount of time on -- the thing is to change it," she said.

For more information on the "Successful Aging Initiative" or available resources, write NewsChannel5, 3001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44114, or log onto our special section on aging.

If you have any Successful Aging ideas e-mail them.