Edith Ceccarelli, also known as ‘Edie’, was born in 1908. She lived through two world wars and two of America’s deadliest pandemics, and witnessed the rise of new technologies. Throughout her 116 years, she experienced the joys of love and compassion, the pain of loss and heartache, and the challenges of aging. She saw friends come and go, loved ones pass away, and yet, she continued to find meaning and purpose in each passing day.
For caregivers working with seniors, Edie’s story serves as a powerful reminder that despite the inevitable hardships and losses that come with age, there is still beauty to be found in each moment. It reminds us to cherish the time we have with our care clients, loved ones, listen to their stories, and to honor the wisdom that comes with age.
“Have a couple of fingers of red wine with your dinner, and mind your own business”.
Edith ‘Edie’ Ceccarelli
Research showed that drinking a moderate amount of red wine may help you live longer. Drinking 1 to 2 glasses of wine with meals can help the body absorb more of the nutrients from the food eaten with it, reduces the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
Edie was physically active and had fun growing up, she played basketball, tennis and saxophone, and she loved to sing and dance. According to Delores Pedersen, Willits City Clerk, during Edie’s early years living in the city, she would walk from her home to city hall to pay her water bill, she would be impeccably dressed with a hat and gloves. Edie is known for her kindness, and everyone in the community adored her. She never missed a chance to dance at the senior center or take her daily walks around town.
“I, Edith Ceccarelli, also known as ‘Edie’ by her family and a multitude of friends, would like to keep on dancing. Dancing keeps your limbs strong…”
Let’s encourage ourselves or our care clients to take care of our body and mind as we get older, so we can stay strong and happy for as long as possible.
We call it “Healthy Aging”, also known as successful aging, which involves delaying the negative effects of growing older. The goals of healthy aging are maintaining physical and mental health, avoiding disorders, and remaining active and independent. Here are some simple ways to do that:
- Let’s eat well. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Let’s stay active. Try to move your body every day, even if it’s just a short walk or some gentle stretching. Exercise helps keep your muscles strong, your heart healthy, and your mind sharp.
- Let’s get enough sleep. Make sure to get plenty of rest each night. Sleep is important for your body to recharge and repair itself
- Let’s stay connected. Spend time with friends and family, and stay involved in activities you enjoy. Socializing and staying connected can help keep your mind and mood positive.
- Let’s take care of our mental health. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress.
May her story inspire us to approach our work with compassion, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the lives we touch each day.
