Members of the Senior Islanders Club learned the secrets to healthy ageing at their monthly get-together last week.

Three guest speakers -- including Dr. James D. Jackson of Pennsylvania, Dr.

Khin Maung Myint of the Extended Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, and his colleague nurse Deborah Chase -- dispelled some of the myths associated with ageing and spoke on how to make the most of life during later years.

"Ageing is a continuing process, not necessarily associated with ill health and infirmity,'' Dr. Myint told his audience. "You are not really a separate group, but a part of society.'' He emphasised the importance of keeping physically fit, but warned against suddenly starting a rigorous health programme. "You can start healthy living from any day you decide to,'' Dr. Myint advised, "but start slowly and keep to it.'' He included others factors in his speech that contribute toward a healthy lifestyle for seniors, including healthy eating, the importance of regular health screenings and how to avoid accidents, especially falls.

"There are no pills which cure old age,'' Dr. Myint said and advised against trying any of the "wonder drugs'' on the market which promise to do just that without first consulting a doctor. Dr. Jackson who runs a centre for successful ageing in the US, stressed the social aspects of getting older.

"Part of healthy ageing is creating a social network for ourselves,'' he said and emphasised the importance of staying in contact with friends and participating in social activities. He also rated mental stimulation as an important element.

"We have to find ways to mentally stimulate ourselves and keep those brain cells active,'' he warned. "Use it or you'll lose it.'' Dr. Jackson also stressed the importance of keeping open the lines of communication with middle-aged children who were more than likely to be the primary care givers to their older parents.

This aspect was echoed by nurse Deborah Chase who through her experiences at the hospital knew the importance of older people making their wishes known to family members.

"It may not be a comfortable issue to discuss,'' she said, referring to end of life care and burial plans. "But its important to me as a caregiver to know what to do in that situation.'' She suggested that older people make a living will stating how they wish to be cared for and what arrangements they wanted made in the event of their death.

CLUB CLB