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By Tina Reed, Staff Writer As she recently surveyed her garden, which is tucked in the woods on the South River, Carolyn Gorsuch wasn’t pleased. A recent storm had scattered a path of wood chips meant to create a smooth passage through the shady oasis she and a friend had painstakingly created. Moving with the ease of a much younger person, the 86-year-old bent over to pick up a few small branches that had fallen. She tossed them into the woods until she was satisfied. “Isn’t this lovely? This is my favorite part of the garden,” she said, looking around as sunlight streamed through the trees. As health organizations across the nation mark September as Healthy Aging Month by offering advice on aging well — everything from remaining engaged in the community to staying active — Gorsuch is one of many locals who already seem to have discovered the secret. County officials have good reason to pay attention to local seniors like Gorsuch. There are more than 80,000 county residents over the age of 60. And with baby boomers fast approaching retirement, it’s projected that in 20 years seniors will make up more than a quarter of the state’s population. While there is little county data specific to senior citizens, the county population at large closely follows national trends in having escalating rates of obesity, diabetes and chronic health conditions. “The baby boomers that are coming up are going to be looking for all kinds of different activities,” said Pam Jordan, director of the county Department of Aging and Disabilities. “That’s already starting to emerge.” More of those who go to senior centers around the county are pushing for wireless Internet access so they can power up their tablets, Jordan said. More than 300 seniors use such centers every day for classes on subjects like history, yoga, pottery and dance, Jordan said. “We’re a lot more than bingo,” she said. Meade Rudasill, 79, and his wife, Sue, 78, say physical and mental activity have continued to play a central role in their lives. They credit their vitality to spirituality and active social connections. Meade still hunts regularly and Sue loves to dance. He is a leader on several committees and she is taking a Spanish class. Meade said he never bought into the idea of retirement as a time that would allow him to sit back and watch the world go by without him. He strode to another room to grab a book he’s reading: “Reboot!: What to Do When Your Career is Over But Ginger Cove, Annapolis’ premier life-care retirement community, is located on 30-wooded acres boardering Gingerville Creek. For more information, visit www.gingercove.com or call Joan Williams at (410) 266-7300. ® Your Life Isn’t.” That book, written by Annapolis-based author (and Capital Gazette columnist) Phil Burgess, says a lot about the kind of life he tries to live. “You’ve got to stay active physically and mentally,” Rudasill said. That’s only part of the secret, Burgess said. He said the idea of retirees having “golden years” of relaxation shortchanges their ability to live productive and satisfying lives. “The aging process is the most positive when someone has strong social engagement,” Burgess said. “It’s not how wealthy or healthy you are.” The American Psychological Association said that while most older adults experience normal age-related physical changes, persistent stereotypes about aging don’t fit most modern American seniors. Age-related physical changes can include hearing impairment, weakened vision and an increasing probability of arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. But most older Americans live independently, maintain close relationships and the have same personality they’ve had their entire life, the APA said. That has been the case for Gorsuch. In part, she credits her health to the energy and positive outlook she has had her entire life. Gorsuch regularly climbs into her kayak to spend some time out on the water. Years after giving up the piano, she is reteaching herself to play. She gets her morning news from her electronic tablet and swaps newspapers with a neighbor to stay up on current events. One recent afternoon, her phone rang off the hook from friends and neighbors arranging visits. Gorsuch prefers taking the stairs to riding the elevator and watches her diet. She takes only one prescription medication a day, for high blood pressure. “I truly believe if you face the world expecting good things, that good things come to you,” she said. That’s not to say everyone can avoid the chronic ailments that often accompany aging. The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging offers courses to help those who develop chronic illnesses manage their symptoms, said Pam Toomey, chronic disease program coordinator. She said the most prevalent conditions she sees are hypertension, arthritis, high cholesterol, depression and diabetes. “People come to class with all sorts of chronic conditions, but there are a lot of similarities in the symptoms, like pain, fatigue, depression and tense muscles.” The program, based on Stanford University research, focuses on teaching those suffering from chronic diseases to cope via relaxation, diet, deep breathing and staying active. And while there are no hard data on the local program’s effectiveness, county officials say they have anecdotal evidence that it has reduced emergency room and doctors’ visits and improved individual health. County Health Department personnel visit older residents and those who are disabled and need regular health checks, said Laura Block, a health department social worker. Block said one of the simplest ways to enhance wellness is to help individuals manage their health in an organized way — including coordination among the patient’ doctors. “Most of the people I see who have a high quality of life are still doing something they really love to do,” Block said. While many focus on the physical troubles that accompany aging, few highlight the benefits, Burgess said. Burgess, a baby boomer himself, said getting older has given him more perspective on life and more confidence in his talents and the wisdom he has attained over the years. “What’s the secret to aging well — a cigar and a swig of whiskey every day?” he said. “That’s probably true if you’re having it with your group of friends. The real secret is social engagement.” [email protected] www.twitter.com/TreedinAA