DOVER, Del. - A local retirement community in Delaware has recently adopted a scientific lifestyle approach based on research - residents say it's the secret to living a long and happy life.
86-year-old Lillian Matthias says it's been years since she's felt this young, and says she's happier than ever. "When I first came here, I wasn't walking very much and now I'm walking everyday - and I'm feeling better because of it. I'm reading more and thinking more. I think it helps you mentally and physically really," she said.
She credits her turn around to a new approach to healthy living. A 10-year-study by the MacArthur Foundation -- shows 70% of physical aging, and about 50% of mental aging, is determined by lifestyle rather than genetics. "Knowledge is power and they teach us. It makes you really want to get the most out of the rest of your life," 84-year-old Barbara Spout said. "We learn how to make our life more interesting - how to do things to make it more fun," 86-year-old Peggy Robinson said.
At Westminster Village in Dover, residents say their community is much like the college experience. Everyday they're challenged to discover new hobbies, set and achieve new goals -- and ultimately lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. "There's an awful lot of activities - you could be busy every minute," Matthias said. "Keeping you involved, keeping you active, keeping your mind working - it's for a better life," 82-year-old Robert Reese said.
For more information on Westminster Village, go to www.wmvdover.org.
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