Active Life

ACTIVE LIFE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GLOBE • APR IL 2020 Tim Middagh/The Globe

Chuck and Karen Magyar walk the bike path at Centennial Park on April 23.

Taking steps toward better health Magyars, Hales find daily walks promote physical and mental well-being mination to stay active has forced them to take it to O R T H I N G T O N the streets.

“I used to go to the YMCA — Making an effort to fit in and participate in the classes for seniors,” said some form of exercise on Karen Magyar, 79, a retired a daily basis has long been nurse and nurse educator. a priority for two retired “And honestly, I’d probWorthington couples. ably prefer not to exercise But with the closure of — I’d rather sit and read fitness centers and gyms — but we know we have to across the state due to get out there.”

COVID-19 safety precauSo along with her husband tions, the couples’ deter- 81-year-old

By Jane Turpin Moore The Globe

W

Chuck, Karen Magyar makes it a point to walk out the door each day to log 10,000 steps, no matter the weather.

“I have a Fitbit and Karen has an app on her phone [to record steps],” said Chuck, a retired school psychologist.

“I strive for 7,000 steps a day, and she aims for 10,000; her stride is shorter than mine, so it actually matches up,” he laughed.

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“And if you see us out there twice a day, it’s because we haven’t yet met our goals.”

Dee and Denny Hale are another couple that make fitness a team pursuit.

“I’ve always loved being outside and walking,” said Dee Hale, 73, a retired special education teacher.

“Denny and I walk together often, and being outside in the fresh air and not feeling confined right

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now is a big thing; it just makes me feel better.”

Walking is only one of the ways these active seniors choose to move their bodies, though.

“I played pickleball a long while, but had to quit that before the coronavirus came,” said Chuck Magyar. “But I still love biking; I’d do that every day if the weather were always decent.”

Like Karen Magyar, Dee Hale had enjoyed some YMCA fitness classes geared towards seniors prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Her class of choice was chair yoga, and with the advent of online options, Dee has managed to keep up with that to supplement her regular walks.

TAKING STEPS: Page H2

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H2 Saturday, May 2, 2020

ACTIVE LIFE

The Globe

No need to go stir crazy Polar explorer Ann Bancroft offers social isolation tips to keep active during quarantine

By Mary Divine St. Paul Pioneer Press

tion are pretty big for us: We’re beholden to organizations and individuUNFISH LAKE — als, and we’re going after Polar explorer Ann something that is really Bancroft is a masstretching us physicalter of social isolation. ly and mentally. With all Bancroft, 64, of Sunthat seriousness, it’s very fish Lake was the first much like now: you have woman to reach both the to cut through that and North Pole and the South give yourself that opporPole. In 1986, she and tunity to find the humor.

Will Steger and six other It’s a way of getting some explorers spent 56 days perspective so that you driving dogsleds to the can keep on going when North Pole; seven years it is really hard.” During later, she led the Amerione particularly rough can Women’s Expedition stretch during the Anton a 67-day trek to the arctic expedition, Arnesen Scott Takushi / St. Paul Pioneer Press South Pole. and Bancroft lightened Polar explorer Ann Bancroft hikes around her Sunfish Bancroft made histothe mood by playing the Lake community on April 8.

Bancroft, the first woman ry again in 2001 when mouth harp and dancto reach both the North Pole and the South Pole, she and her polar-treking. “We were shuttered recommends getting outdoors and exercising every day. king partner Liv Arnesen, in because of the storm, 66, of Norway, became muddling on about all the like making your bed unable to control the elethe first woman to cross things you’re missing out each morning are key, ments,” she said. “The Antarctica. During their on.” Her parents pur- she said, because “it’s altering of our psyche 94-day, 1,717-mile trek, chased about 40 acres on so much more enjoyable was to say, ‘Get out of each pulled a 250-pound Sunfish Lake decades ago. at the end of the day to your pity bag.’ If you’re sled loaded with food and “I call it Disneyland out go to a made bed rather down in the dumps, and equipment. here,” said Bancroft, who than a messy bed.” Other you’re letting everything Bancroft’s tips for how has a flock of wild turkeys routine activities while on go, you don’t have the to handle social isolation: in her backyard and cho- an expedition: writing in ability to see an opporturus frogs singing nearby. her journal every night nity that you can seize. It 1. Spend time “It’s just this little para- and brushing her teeth. changed for us after that. outdoors.

“Make sure you brush We lightened up; we took dise tucked away.”

Bancroft hikes on the your teeth,” Bancroft better care of each other.” trails near her house in 2. Stick to a routine said. “It’s so silly, but Sunfish Lake for at least In the Arctic, everyone it takes effort out there 4. Do something for an hour every day. She is beholden to a strict when everything is fro- others hunts for feathers, bones, schedule — getting up at zen. I’m still trying to Bancroft volunteers animals and insects. the same time every day, do that.” each week with the Sher“Sometimes I walk real- going to bed at the same idan Project in Roseville, ly fast, and sometimes time every night. “That’s 3. Maintain a sense packing meals for chilI’m following deer trails, what I’m trying to do of humor dren in need. “If you can just opening my eyes to now,” she said. “Routine Bancroft said humor think of others in your things,” she said. “I like is really important. Get- is the strongest tool that darkness, if you can pull to leave the path a lit- ting up and eating well she relies on “no matter yourself out just enough tle bit, and I mean that and exercising. I’m usu- the length of the jour- to think of what the other metaphorically and fig- ally up and at ’em about ney.” “I don’t take myself person needs, it can keep uratively. Suddenly, the 7. Don’t read until 2 just too terribly seriously,” you going,” she said. day moves along a lot because you can and then she said. “The ramififaster than when you’re sleep in.” Little things cations of the expediISOLATION: Page H3

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From Page H1

“I just click on the Worthington Area YMCA’s site via Facebook to find the class,” explained Dee. “It keeps me from getting too stiff and helps me maintain balance and flexibility, plus it is good for breathing and promotes relaxation.”

Denny Hale was elated when one of his favorite sports — golf — became available locally again last week.

The 72-year-old retired physical education instructor and coach “loves golf,” according to his wife, and typically opts to walk the nine- or 18-holes rather than driving a golf cart.

“When the Y is open, he also likes the exercise bike, and he misses playing pickleball at the Center for Active Living,” said Dee. “He’s usually one of the ‘early riser’ pickleball players.”

But for able-bodied people, walking continues to be one of the most easily accessible, readily available fitness activities there is — and it may bring a welcome social aspect, as well.

“We can walk in pretty adverse weather conditions,” said Chuck Magyar.

“Even in the snow, we get out quite regularly — but for biking, that’s a whole other story, and biking is also not good when it’s raining.”

Shared Dee Hale, “We walked a little bit after dinner one night and saw some fellow pickleball players.

“We maintained appropriate ‘social distance’ and discussed pickleball.”

Added Chuck Magyar, “Karen prefers to walk because we can talk about things while we walk, and that’s harder to do when you’re biking.”

Enjoying the constantly changing natural world is another benefit these walking enthusiasts cite.

“We’re really aware of the birds while we walk,” said Chuck Magyar.

Suggested Dee Hale, “The fresh air and that open feeling you get when you’re not cooped up are great.

“I wish more people would be out doing it.”

And these walkers are acutely aware that regular walking helps keep them out of their rockers.

“We figure when we stop walking, we’re just not going to make it,” said Chuck Magyar.

“And we’ll put on weight — or ‘more weight,’ as Karen said — so we feel like we need to just keep it up.”

Tips for those without a walking partner

► Use your walking time to schedule a cell phone chat with a friend, who may also be walking elsewhere simultaneously. ► To keep yourself accountable, arrange to report your walking time or distance to a friend or family member at a regular time each day. ► Consider taking photos of interesting nature elements you encounter as you walk, like budding flowers, clouds, trees, a lovely sunset or ducks on the water. ► Employ your solitary walking habit to incorporate meditation, daily moments of gratitude or mental list-making.

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ACTIVE LIFE

The Globe

Healthy eating options for seniors

ISOLATION From Page H2

Metro Creative Graphics “Let food be thy medicine” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine. The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and/or prevent certain conditions.

For seniors with medicine cabinets full of overthe-counter and prescription medications, the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting, and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic.

According to the World Health Organization, poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people.

Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods one eats. The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful.

Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado, leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries, and salmon are good sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer’s dis-

Metro Creative Graphics

Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older. Certain foods may be particularly helpful. ease, advises Sonas Home Health Care.

Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

Aging.com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, should be consumed at least twice per week.

Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients, including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains.

Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can prevent calcium from being leached

Saturday, May 2, 2020 H3

from the bones, which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis.

Digestive system-friendly foods: The digestive system slows down as the body ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract more easily. High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels.

High-iron foods: Without enough iron in the body, a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious, says the National Council for Aging Care. Tofu, spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron.

Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives.

“Going out and volunteering is the best day of all my days. I’m an introvert, so I’m pretty happy being by myself, but when I go and pack lunches for schools, I’m on cloud nine. I like to say, ‘I have to take care of my extroverted friends in these times’ because we introverts have the better end of things, perhaps.” She said she and other friends rotate cooking dinner for longtime friend Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, “because she never gets home anymore.”

5. Read Reading is a “great way to pull inside to another world for a bit — an active awake distraction, perhaps,” said Bancroft, who is currently reading Richard Powers’ “The Overstory.” While on expeditions, Bancroft reads poems selected by family and friends.

“Weight is an issue. It’s too much to bring books; they’re too heavy,” Bancroft said.

6. Manage conflict

Bancroft said she and Arnesen knew they weren’t going to get along every day. “We had to come up with a plan about what we were going to do about it, because it can really change everything,” she said. “It comes down to what it comes down to for everyone, and that’s communication. We had moments where we had to hammer it out and hash it out and get back on track. The energy that you expend on being upset … is just enormous, and you really notice it out there when you’re trying to put all your energy into your skis and forward motion.

You can’t waste it on being angry at the other person. For us, and for family members who are cooped up together, it’s usually you’re grumpy because you’re tired, or you need a little space, and you just don’t know how to ask for it directly.

The plan was to speak it out loud. You can’t really let it go beyond two days because it gets to a place where it’s pretty hard to bring it back. … Until somebody has the courage to say some-

The best days on trail are the ones when you “look up and think, ‘Oh, my gosh. This is so beautiful,’ ” Bancroft said. “It could be as simple as Liv turning around and handing you a mug of hot coffee or mocha.

They’re not big sweeping days. They’re vignettes sprinkled throughout the expedition.” When she returns home, she looks forward to “a fresh apple, a slice of cheese and a good glass of wine,” she said. “Because we’ve been doing this most of our life, we don’t feel the same hardship that everybody is focusing on.

We don’t go into a 100day expedition thinking we’re going to have food fantasies all 100 days.

We got in with a mindset that is, ‘This is what we chose to do, and it’s a privilege, and yes, it’s hard work, and there are some hardships,’ but it’s not where the rest of people go — which is sort of interesting during this whole time of quarantine.”

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ACTIVE LIFE

H4 Saturday, May 2, 2020

The Globe

Local seniors fish for fun during COVID-19 crisis Emary, Livingstons explore pastimes

By Jane Turpin Moore The Globe

W

ORTHINGTON — Dave Livingston — an amiable, well-liked guy — has nevertheless been ahead of the social distancing curve for years.

The enterprising 85-year-old can spend hours in a fishing boat, either alone or with just one close pal, and not even think about what he might be missing on shore.

“I’ve enjoyed fishing for many, many, many years,” he attested. “I like it because it’s peaceful and quiet.”

Luckily for Livingston, fishing is on the list of approved activities during Minnesota’s COVID19 social restrictions. In recent days, Livingston has taken steps to ready his 11-year-old Crestliner for action.

He’s eager to launch onto a nearby lake, likely with his brother Jim in tow, once the state’s fishing opener arrives on May 9.

“I’ve tried ’em all,” Livingston said of the lakes in and around Worthington.

“Okabena, West Graham, East Graham, Clear Lake, Round Lake — we hit ’em all.

“If word gets out they’re catchin’ fish on Round Lake, then bingo, that’s the lake you want to go to,” he continued.

Jane Turpin Moore/The Globe

Dave Livingston, with wife Marge at right, is eager to extend his social distancing practices on area lakes when Minnesota’s fishing opener occurs on May 9. Fishing is an approved activity amid COVID-19 restrictions.

“Then you go there and don’t catch nothing,” he chuckled.

In years past, Livingston and his wife, Marge, 82, would travel north with an RV and a boat to spend time immersed in the wonders of water and nature, elements that inherently enabled healthy social distancing.

“But I haven’t been out fishing for about six years,” said Marge, who is admittedly far less a fishing enthusiast than her husband.

“I used to take along a book to read in the boat.”

In more recent years, Marge has opted to stay at

home, often playing cards with friends or engaging in other household pursuits while Dave fishes from 7 a.m. until, typically, 2 or 3 p.m.

Sustained by ham-andcheese sandwiches, homemade cookies and coffee that Marge supplies, Livingston is content to let the hours drift by on the still open water.

“It’s not usually that crowded out on the lakes,” attested Livingston, mentioning his preferred catches are walleyes and northerns. He employs mostly minnows and Rapalas as bait.

When fishing isn’t an option and circumstanc-

es allow, Livingston also maintains his skill as an archer (the retired owner of the former S & L Garage is also a longtime member of the Southwest Bow Benders) or applies his woodworking skills to make toys or other items in his at-home shop.

“I can usually find something to do,” said Livingston.

Online and aware Another local octogenarian, 84-year-old Bob Emary, doesn’t necessarily have Livingston’s zest for fishing but does share in a common desire to keep busy and involved with numerous pursuits.

The retired secondary education teacher lost his wife, Judy, last August after 62 years of marriage, and her loss has affected his activities to a degree.

“I was doing most of the housework before that, except for the cooking — so I’ve been learning how to cook, and so far I haven’t ruined too many things,” laughed Emary.

Emary usually teaches AARP driver’s safety classes, but all of those have been canceled until at least July 1. Still, his part-time work with District 518 Community Education has continued in some manner online.

Additionally, Emary is assistant treasurer for his church, First United Methodist. He continues to visit the church one morning each week to sign checks, as his role requires it. Additionally, Emary is responsible for circulating the church’s regular prayer chain, and he’s learned to log in to Zoom meetings for fellowship hours.

“Once I got a camera and microphone hooked up to my computer, I was good to go,” said Emary.

“It’s been good to be able to see people while talking to them.”

Also keeping him amused is his recent foray into Facebook. A niece planted an idea that he has chosen to run with.

“She was taking pic-

tures of a rubber duck set in different places, and I remembered I had one in the basement,” said Emary.

“It’s a diversion, but I named the duck ‘Mandrake’ — Manny for short — and I put him in various spots and write captions from Manny’s perspective.”

Making the best of it

Like Emary, the Livingstons also miss their church friends and Sunday service routine.

“We miss going to church, we miss having our usual coffee party,” said Marge Livingston.

Still, as the weather has improved, the Livingstons have engaged in at least two patio parties with a few friends (outdoors, and at socially distance-appropriate lengths, mind you).

Seeing any of their four children, six grandchildren or five great-grandchildren isn’t really an option at present, but other pastimes beckon.

“I read, put together jigsaw puzzles, walk some and bake a little,” listed Marge. “I’m looking forward to planting a few flowers soon, too.”

And Dave Livingston anticipates those long, happy hours of voluntary isolation in his Crestliner — preferably if the fish are biting.

“We usually get something,” he assured.

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