I believe aging well means spending quality time with your family and friends and giving back to the community. I live in rural eastern Ontario, with my husband of 46 years on a small hobby farm with our two cats, one dog and fifteen peacocks. As a retired health care professional, I volunteer as a board member for a Senior Community Support organization, on our community hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee and as a transportation driver taking clients to appointments and delivering meals on wheels.

During the winter, I attend yoga classes, core exercise and dancefit classes, and play indoor pickleball. Walking our dog daily gets me out in the fresh air everyday as well. In the summer months I grow vegetables like asparagus, assorted squash and carrots. I love the water, so I participate in outdoor Aquafit classes, kayak, pickleball and paddleboard with my dog whenever I can. I also volunteer with community theatre groups.

My parents both passed away from cancer under the age of 70 and lived healthy lives, so my goal at 70 is to beat the genetic odds and live my life to the fullest and help others to do the same.

Jackie S., Ontario