Becci Bookner

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If you haven’t seen this footage yet, I encourage you to take a quick break and check it out.

For her 90th birthday, Bonnie Townsend of Port Charlotte, FL chose to celebrate the occasion by skydiving for the first time.

To me, these are the stories I like to see about aging. Ones that promote the natural process of life as something to celebrate to the very end.

My favorite quote from Bonnie’s experience is when she said that she now knew she wanted to go to heaven. What inspiration from a great spirit of joy!

Bonnie’s not the only amazing elder to take to the skies. In 2007, this 90-year-old Australian grandmother also took a maiden dive. I wonder what it is about hitting 90 that makes some people jump out of a plane. Could it be the exhilaration and freedom? Hm. I guess I’ll have to wait until I turn 90 to find out!

Photo: Andora Quinby from the Growing Bolder website

Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis occur in both sides of my family, which makes me prone to reviewing the latest preventative tips and treatments with more than just casual interest.

This family history is one reason I recently started the extreme workout routine P90X, as well as increased my noshing on calcium-rich foods like kale and collard greens.

Knowing your osteoporosis risk can definitely be a motivating factor in taking care of your body now for lifelong health—don’t you agree? Over the weekend, Becci forwarded me an email from Third Age, which contains a link to this osteoporosis risk assessment.

After taking the assessment myself, I decided to dig deeper. My further research revealed that it’s actually good to incorporate weight lifting and weight-baring exercises into your daily routine—even if you already have osteoporosis!

Then, I discovered inspiration over at the wonderful website Growing Bolder. This audio interview of Andora Quinby (recorded when she was 88 years old and the champion in her age division for dead-lifting 100 lbs) reminds me that it’s never too late to make our bodies stronger and more healthy.

As if the Universe wanted to make extra sure that the message got through, this morning, Good Morning America introduced us all to Ernestine Shepherd—the gorgeous weight-lifting grandmother who started in her 50s and still looks amazing at 74!

I don’t know about anyone else, but all this information makes me want to get up and move: What about you?

I don’t know about you, but I am up to my eyeballs in cucumbers from my garden. It’s fantastic!

Not only do I have my pickling cap on, but I also have pulled out some of my favorite recipes that loved ones of all ages can enjoy.

I know I wrote about keeping an eye on dehydration during this hot, hot Summer of 2010, and cucumbers are perfect for doing just that. Not only are they a high water food, they also promote connective tissue health and skin radiance. You can read more about these fabulously cool veggies on the World’s Healthiest Foods website. Read the rest of this entry »