GOSHEN, N.Y. (Feb. 1, 2017) — Guests at the Glen Arden Continuing Care Retirement Community’s recent “Aging Loudly: Live the Life You Want” workshop were reminded that successful aging is about having purpose and meaning in one’s life.

The program was the latest in a series of workshops and lectures reinforcing Glen Arden’s commitment to good health, social and emotional well-being and wellness.

Gerontologist Dr. Lawrence Force, has worked in the field of aging and disabilities for over 30 years as a practitioner, academician, administrator and researcher in the public and private sector. He is the founder of AgePlan, a national advocacy and training organization and recently helped launch the National Organization of Adult Addictions and Recovery (NOAAR), whose mission is to raise awareness and treat and prevent addictions in adults, those in midlife and beyond.

“The life cycle is in three parts,” Force said. “There is the beginning, the middle and then a new beginning at retirement. Exercise, staying busy and being socially active all add to a better quality of life.”

Force spoke about why people are living longer; why aging is not about fragility and decline; the purpose and meaning of successful aging; how choices are present across one’s lifespan; why people should “age like it matters”; and the importance of living the life one wants.

Glen Arden resident Audrey Savorese, 77, said she started to withdraw from some of her usual activities. But, she added, after hearing Force’s presentation, she’s committed to making sure she stays active.