Senior News Line: What keeps us young?

A recent British study showed how those over age 50 can stay young. American seniors aren’t so different, are we? Maybe we can learn a few things from their list of preferred activities across the pond.

Food was big on the list. Trying new food, and eating sweets, spicy dishes and chocolate were all favored. To that I would add trying a new restaurant.

Reading books that are challenging — perhaps exploring new authors or another genre entirely — offers brain stretching.

Playing younger relatives at games and socializing with grownup children and grandkids, perhaps at a first-run movie in the theater, helps us learn what they’re thinking and talking about.

Playing practical jokes and watching stand-up comedy points to the necessity of finding things to laugh about.

Exercise wasn’t left off the list. Yoga, Zumba, salsa dancing and cycling were favorites.

One of the most popular ways to stay young, according to the survey, is to surf the Web, as it combines many favorite activities. That means owning electronic gadgets — computers, e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle, and iPhones (including apps) and iPads. These are all ways to connect and stay front and center in what’s going on in the world.

Facebook can be a fun way to keep in touch online, as long as we’re aware of the dangers and use the right settings to control who accesses the page. Twitter can be challenging for those brave souls who can handle the flow of messages.

One very notable characteristic of those in the survey: 40 percent considered themselves to be rebellious. We’re not afraid to think out of the box, are we?

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to [email protected]. © 2012 King Features Synd. Inc.