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Jun 4, 12:53 PM

Seniors thrive on the go

Activity keeps mind, body healthy

BY ELESKA AUBESPIN
FLORIDA TODAY

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For Catherine Forbes, walking five miles daily, six days a week, is no big thing .

The Palm Bay resident has done so for 24 years, faithfully arriving at a nearby park walking trail at 5:30 a.m. for a good workout.

Forbes is 84. She continues to live an active, healthy life rich with exercise, healthy eating habits, travel and community connections.

"I want to be able to take care of myself as long as possible, and I find that exercise has really helped me to do that," said Forbes, a retired schoolteacher.

Her body was ravaged when she was younger by two bouts of breast cancer, osteoporosis and arthritis. She also lost a kidney to complications after kidney stones.

Exercise and daily activities have kept those problems in check, she said. Also, Forbes has lost 40 pounds. She doesn't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

In addition, her cancer has been in remission since 2002 and daily walking has eased typical aches and pains.

"I've been walking since retirement in 1980," Forbes said. "It was one of the things I promised I would do. Now, I feel alert mentally, and it keeps down my back pain. In fact, when I don't walk, my legs are so stiff."

And Forbes doesn't stop at walking. She's active in her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and with her church, the Allen Chapel AME in Melbourne. Next month, she plans a trip to Las Vegas with friends.

"I'm going to have fun and enjoy the nightlife," she said. "I'm living. The Lord has really blessed me."

Pete Frink, a friend of Forbes for 20 years, said she is a role model when it comes to good health and exercise later in life.

"It's important for everybody, particularly African-Americans, to keep ourselves healthy as we age because we are so prone to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol," said Frink, the internal auditor for Melbourne.