Successful Aging Not Based On Health

CLEVELAND -- When the Cleveland Foundation set out on its three-year, $4 million Successful Aging Initiative, one of its first discoveries was that aging successfully is not necessarily dependent on health, NewsChannel5 reported.

"Some of the most successful agers are people who might be physically frail, they might be experiencing sensory impairment," said Stephanie J. FallCreek, of the Successful Aging Task Force.

Ann Brooks, of Murtis H. Taylor Center, added: "Their physical impairment contributes to their success because they still have the determination not to let that impairment stop them from leading a full and active life."

It's the active lifestyle and positive attitude that can make seniors forget about some of the daily aches and pains associated with aging.

"It's the attitude," said FallCreek. "It's the 'I'm going to continue to be alive as long as I live. I'm going to continue to grow and I'm going to continue to invest in the world around me' that makes for successful aging."

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