Aging with Grace

Local models talk about what they do to stay in shape

By Lynette M Loomis

What does it mean to age gracefully?

We spoke with three local models who share how they stay in shape and discuss the notion of aging graciously.

“I define aging gracefully as living my best life no matter what age I may be,” says Dianne Howard, 66.

To do this, she pursues activities that stimulate her mentally and intellectually, which includes playing the violin each day. “I love to listen to the music of my favorite artists. All of this music soothes my soul.”

After retiring from a career teaching orchestra and string instruments (she was the director of the Pittsford-Mendon High School Orchestra), she enrolled in Mary Therese Friel Modeling and Self Development Training Program in Mendon.

“I learned about the world of modeling including self-presentation, hair and makeup, nutrition and exercise, print and runway modeling and public speaking,” she says. “This experience has been very fulfilling and I continue to learn and grow.”

On the said, she says she loves to listen to the music of her favorite artists in addition to all periods of classical music, “Beethoven being my favorite composer, she says.

“I particularly love the music from the ‘60s and ‘70s including R&B.” She says she also enjoys rock and roll groups like Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Steely Dan and others. “Nina Simone is also one of my favorite artists,” she adds.

Howard, who lives in Perinton, believes it is important to have social connections and “belong to something.” She recently became a member of the Penfield Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra comprised of volunteer musicians which rehearses and performs at Penfield High School.

“I am thrilled not only to play the music I love but also to connect with former colleagues and meet new people who share my passion,” she says.

“My purpose in life is to do what the Lord has put me on earth to do: be a good wife, mother, friend and to serve my fellow man. Surrounding myself with people I love and doing things that bring me joy brings me a sense of peace. I love to visit and spend time with my family. I love the camaraderie and friends I have made as a part of Mary Therese Friel Modeling. I enjoy trying new things and making new friends.”

“I begin and end each day with gratitude for all of my blessings.”

Howard says she enjoys her volunteer work and giving to charities.

“I realize that life is a gift and I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the people who have had an influence on me,” she says. “I’m very thankful for my many blessings.”

 

 

Cliff Edington, 71, believes that there is no secret to aging with grace.

“Be happy and grateful for who I am and remember that we are all a part of the love, light and sound that gave us the opportunity to experience this life,” he says. “If I’m lucky enough to wake up every day, find a way to enjoy the day and have more fun than I have ever had, because the day will go fast, and it just might be the last.”

If you are taking the elevator in a building, you won’t see Edington. He will be taking the stairs, no matter how many flights and no matter how long it takes. He thinks it’s important to move his bones. He likes to play all day — walk, bike and golf. He drinks a lot of water and suggested that people “eat like a gorilla and eat more plants.”

On occasion he drinks “some really, really good wine.”

For the Perinton resident, it is important not to be attached to a number. He maintains a mindset of being and living healthy, wealthy, happy, wise and free. In his words it is about “sharing, caring and respecting all people and all creatures.” It gives him pleasure to “do quiet, little random acts of kindness and love.” Another part of his recipe to age with grace is to it to ‘let it go.’ “It really doesn’t matter. If you don’t mind, then it don’t matter,” he said.

Soon to retire from R.I.T., where he works as human resources manager, he likes to travel wherever there’s sunshine, warmth and a beach. He also is particular about his social surroundings. He goes to as many Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency “go sees” and modeling opportunities as he can, “because I got time and
I can.”

Outside of the modeling world, “When I see or hear BS or other nonsense and noise, I ease on back and exit away slowly,” he said.

To move his brain, Edington plays bass guitar and strives to be a polyglot by being conversationally fluent in French, Italian, Spanish and sign language.

Having a sense of humor is one of his ingredients for aging with grace.

“I like to rhyme for no reason. Laugh my a.. off, literally and figuratively and tell jokes that are so bad that my kids, grandkids and other kids will roll their eyes and groan. And beat them at video games!” he says.

Lastly, ponder each day on life’s greatest question and philosophical mystery of all time: “What if the Hokey Pokey is what it’s all about?” he adds.

 

Dolly Lauria, 85, defines aging as to how a person was brought up as a child. First of all, eating. She loved the homemade delicious food that was healthy — and she likes dancing to music on the radio afterward.

“My family loved to dance and did it often. Guidance has the word ‘dance’ in it and that’s what my family enjoyed doing often,” she says. “What gives me the most joy is dancing to wonderful music and learning new dance steps. There are many places that offer excellent dance classes including fox trot, waltz, east & west coast swing and cha-cha-cha.  These activities help me to maintain good health habits.”

Part of what helps her in her quest to age gracefully is to look for opportunities to learn. She particularly enjoyed her education with the modeling agency to take proper self-care and develop a sense of presence.

“It does take time to educate ourselves in learning new tasks which help us to create new relationships with our family and friends,” she says. “To be open to new changes is very important in taking care of our special health needs and to continue with progress in mind.”

Lauria, who lives in Gates and was a secretary at Gates-Chili School District, says that her social connections have always involved her membership in a colorguard named “lady liberties,” which march and compete in parades. They also post flags for veterans.

“It is so rewarding to see people smile and clap as we hold up our flags,” she says.

For this model, her sense of peace comes with attendance in her weekly church visits. “I think it’s important to find satisfaction with our remaining life, to focus on what makes a person happy and to share that with others,” she adds.

Another aspect of her sense of aging is clothes.

“It’s important to dress for our age. We are not in our 20s and don’t need to try to look as if we are. We are not fooling anyone. To dress with style is always appropriate,” she says. “I don’t think of aging as a future ending, but as an opportunity to be useful for my family, friends and our country. I remind myself regularly that God is in control as we learn about life.”