Page 4 - Summer 2016

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The “New” Senior
Just because you are of a certain age that society labels “senior,” doesn’t mean you’re doesn't mean you're ready to retire. People are living longer and achieving great things. They are continuing their goals in education, new business ventures, and lifelong dreams.
In this issue, we’ve profiled three remarkable older adults who reside within the counties AAA 1-B serves. Their lives reflect the fact that they have been able to take negative encounters and repackage them into positive experiences; a common characteristic of people who live longer, happier lives.
You can have a vibrant, engaged and energetic life at any age.
Marion Upper – Age 74 Macomb County resident Former Ms. Senior Michigan
When you spend time with Marion Upper, her energy plugs you into happiness. She’s made it her life mission to help others that struggle to find joy.
Raised on a dairy farm in Lapeer, Marion learned the value of hard work. With her parents prompting, Marion went on to graduate from MSU with a bachelor’s in Education and was hired by Warren Consolidated Schools as an art teacher. But while working in elementary schools, she began to notice that many children seemed unhappy. Marion wanted to do something about that, so she went back and got a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling and another in Social Work.
Eight years later, she left art for guidance counseling in the high school. Having found her
niche, Marion remained in that position for 30 years, specializing in teenage suicide and prevention, grief management, substance abuse and issues stemming from divorce. “I loved that job so much that when I retired, I actually went back as a substitute teacher for three years to wean myself away,” she said. It was a career where Marion was truly able to make
a difference in students’ lives.
Always active, Marion was once an avid skier and tennis player, but had to find a new form of exercise when she was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at age 59. “I hate to exercise, so I looked at classes offered through my local senior center and thought belly dancing looked interesting. I signed up!” She added, “I’ve been doing it for 17 years and now I teach classes in my basement with up to eight students.”
“Dancing is one of the best exercises because it’s a total workout for your brain, as you memorize dance moves, and body, as you move to the beat,” she said. “It’s a total integration of the senses. It’s visual, auditory, physical, tactile, and psychologically enjoyable.”
Always busy, engaged, and connected, one of Marion’s mottos is, “Never say never.” She got involved with a theatrical group in Macomb County
as part of the cast, putting on musicals and plays. Friends there encouraged her to participate in the Ms. Senior Michigan pageant. “I’m not a pageant person, but my problem is, I don’t know how to say no.” She entered the competition in 2006 and won. “I remember the moment they announced my name and my mouth dropped open. I was totally shocked. I just didn’t envision myself winning,” she said.
This year’s pageant will take place at the Older Persons Commission (OPC) in Rochester on July 20th. Offering a bit of helpful advice to this year’s contestants she said, “Don’t go into this thinking of it as a competition. Just think about doing your personal best.” Marion is in charge of this year's contestant communications and plans to be at the event.
Wherever Marion goes, happiness is sure to follow.
“Dancing is one of the best exercises because it’s a total workout for your brain, as you memorize dance moves, and body, as you move to the beat.”