Live Long. Live Well. (Live

By David Cordero • 80 percent of respondents report practicing thirty minutes a day Rob Kramer, Director of the Institute for Continued Learning (ICL) at Dixie of exercise on average, compared to an average of only 5 percent for the U.S. State University, was in the midst of • A higher than average number of respondents eat well, focusing creating a five-year strategic plan. ICL on vegetables and fruits; however, they still consume too much provides classes for retirees to keep their sugar and too many snacks. minds and bodies from unnecessary “This survey revealed that St. George is already a health-conscious atrophy—of vital importance in a community, so it will not take much for us to become one of the About the Author community with a high number of healthiest communities in the world,” Hauck said. David Cordero is the Communications and Marketing Director for the City of St. George. A southern Utah resident since 2006, David has extensive residents identifying as senior citizens. Kramer wondered if what they had been doing was enough. Could ICL achieve more? “I knew we could do more than just cure boredom,” Kramer recalled. A Call to Action: Community Health Challenge As a follow up to the survey, Live! is launching its first community challenge, which encompasses three components: social/emotional, physical, and cognitive. experience in writing, public relations, marketing, and public speaking. He has also served in a variety of “We could do more to stimulate people’s minds, bodies, and spirits. We could save people’s lives.” 1. Social/Emotional Each day, consider what you are grateful for. Send three messages of appreciation—via text, email, mail, or phone—to three different volunteer capacities over the years, including Utah Honor Flight, American Legion Post 90, religious education, and This desire gave birth to the Live Long. Live Well. (Live!) initiative, which has the goal of increasing longevity, improving individuals. Research has demonstrated that this is one of the most powerful ways to improve mood, increase overall happiness, and enhance relationships. coaching youth sports. Email health, and increasing the overall life 2. Physical Health him at david.cordero@sgcity.org. satisfaction of the residents of Washington Commit to moderate exercise for thirty minutes per day for five County—with an emphasis on people over age fifty. Kramer found days a week. Engaging in aerobic exercise is the best way to reduce a champion for his concept in Nancy Hauck, Associate Provost the risk of dementia and keep your body healthy. Also, commit to of Community & Global Engagement at Dixie State University, daily gardening, walking, or hiking in nature five times a week. and together they formed a committee involving Intermountain Vitamin D obtained from sunshine is essential for staying healthy Healthcare’s LiVe Well Center and the City of St. George. and boosting the immune system, and spending time outdoors

In January 2020, Live! began a six-month survey to gauge the reduces blood pressure, stress, and depression. health and wellness of the community. The unforeseen COVID-19 3. Cognitive pandemic tossed a wrinkle into things, yet 2,400 responses were Learn something new. Take a class at Dixie State University recorded. The study produced these key results: through ICL or Community Education. Classes are also available • The over-fifty population in St George is already one of the Exercise your mind by learning a new language or learning to play a healthiest groups in the United States. They report feeling better new instrument. about their physical, cognitive, emotional, and financial health than younger generations. Live Long. Live Well. (Live!)

To join the challenge or to find out more information, go to the Live! website at livelong.dixie.edu/Challenges. through the City of St. George or through Intermountain Healthcare.