Super Seniors: Donna Russo
Editor’s note: The Steamboat Pilot & Today asked readers to tell us about their favorite seniors over the age of 75 and then we asked these Super Seniors to share their secrets to living a long and healthy life.
Donna Russo
Age: 76
How to live a longer, happier, healthier life
Part 1: Does living in the Yampa Valley lead to a longer life?
Part 2: Move often and eat more plants
Part 3: Finding purpose and passion in daily life
Part 4: Loneliness a major health risk for aging population
Super Seniors: Yampa Valley senior profiles
Super powers: Russo grew up in the Yampa Valley surrounded by family. She spent countless hours as a young person on a nearby ranch that was owned by her aunt, uncle and cousin. She said she was raised as a conservative Republican and “completely embraces American patriotism.” Russo golfs a couple of times a week and also walks. She paints, reads and watches movies in the evening. She begins every day with coffee and the news from three online sources, both local and national. She said she feels the same as she did in her 20s until she passes a mirror. She and her husband of 50 years are currently building a small home next door to their daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters.
“The plan is to be able to age in place,” Russo said.
What are your secrets to living a long and healthy life?
I have no secrets. I simply live by the tried-and-true methods of good health and common sense. My family is small, but we all support and share great love for each other. We are active and involved in each other’s lives. Friends are a huge part of my happiness. Most of my friends are long term, some from childhood. I enjoy making new acquaintances. Diet is something I give thought to — eating mostly fruit and vegetables, grains and protein. My husband loves to cook and create for us. I do eat desserts and sweets on almost a daily basis. I do exercises every day to include stretching, weights, strengthening and balance. I remind myself that sitting is the new smoking. I shoot for 10,000 steps a day but don’t always reach my goal. On golfing day, I always reach 14,000 to 17,000 steps. I feast on nature and my surroundings outdoors where I spend as much time as possible.”
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