Dorothy Lee will never forget the day her life changed forever. In November 2005, she and her husband of 40 years were driving home during an ice storm when she looked over and saw his head slump onto his chest. She quickly grabbed the wheel to keep the car from crashing and once it was stopped, called 911 on her cellphone and tried to revive him.

The sheer shock of the accident, and learning at the hospital that her husband had died of a heart attack, caused Dorothy, now 70, to feel faint and pass out. At first, doctors thought she too was having a heart attack.

But after a series of tests they concluded that she was suffering from something called broken-heart syndrome. This malady is caused by an overwhelming surge of adrenaline triggered by severe emotional or physical trauma. Dorothy spent the next five days in the hospital and the following months undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder related to the accident.

Staying active and socially engaged

Though she credits the quick-thinking doctors at the hospital for saving her life, Dorothy believes it was the friends she made through her decade-long walking club, the “Mall Stars,” at Minneapolis’s Mall of America that enabled her to go on living.

“If I hadn’t been part of the walking club I honestly don’t think I would have made it,” she says. “It wasn’t only the exercise. The friends I’ve made there gave me a reason to get up in the morning and get out of the house.”

Dorothy’s story demonstrates what a growing body of research is proving— there is a strong connection between mental and physical health. Staying active and socially engaged as we age benefits not only physical health, but can improve a person’s mood, ability to over-come life’s challenges, and even recovery from illness or injury.

In addition, research has found that physical therapy, getting the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin D, and simply expressing gratitude can all bolster the mind-body connection that leads to overall well-being.

Good habits for better mind and body health

• Keep stress in check. When confronted with a stressful moment, sit still and breathe deeply for a few moments. Or try meditation.
• Eat healthy. Fruits and vegetables are a must. Make sure to drink water throughout the day.
• Get your rest. Interrupted or inadequate sleep is a common problem as we age. Take a nap during the day if nighttime sleep isn’t enough.
• Stay active. Take a walk, ride a bike, take the stairs, or sign up for a tai chi or yoga class. Incorporate some resistance and flexibility exercises into your daily routine.
• Start something new. Trying a new exercise of learning a new language or musical instrument challenges the brain in a different way that can help with memory. Read and discuss books with friends, take an adult education class, or volunteer.
• Keep talking. Participate in social activities with friends and family. Even if aches and pains make you want to stay at home, try to get out and be around other people.

Editor’s note: This is an abbreviated version of the cover story from the Spring issue of thrive., a healthy living newsletter for Blue Cross Medicare members. The full article can be read by downloading a PDF of the issue. The Spring 2017 issue, along with past issues, are available at bluecrossmn.com/PlatinumBluethrive.