East of the River

Feeling Healthy Past Age Eighty:

Eloise Hall Harris

by: B. Michelle Harris, MS, RD, MPH

How does one reach age 80 with good health? What health challenges do older seniors face? What roles do nutrition and physical activity play in keeping fit as one ages?

For Mother’s Day, I interviewed Eloise Hall Harris, a native Washingtonian and longtime resident of East of the River. She talked frankly about health issues she faces and what she does to stay healthy.

Mrs. Harris was born November 15, 1924. She graduated from Dunbar High when African Americans were restricted to three high schools for Negroes, as we were called then. She completed two years at Miners Teachers College. At age 54, she earned a bachelor’s degree in City Planning from Federal City College.

Now 81, Mrs. Harris has lived in three neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. She was involved in school issues and represented neighborhood children. She immersed herself in local affairs concerning schools, transportation, housing, and voting. Her voice was heard through many Letters to the Editor published in the three Washington newspapers of the 1960s and 1970s. She was passionate about making a difference in her community and in the lives of children.

Health Challenges After 80

Michelle: At 81½, what are your biggest health challenges?

Mrs. Harris: I never had that much [pain]. And when I do, I don’t think about it too much. I walk slowly so I won’t fall. I don’t go out in the snow. Next year, if Metro Access comes, I’ll have them take me to my doctor’s appointment when it snows.

I always did what the doctor told me to do. I want to be around for a few more years, so I listen to what they tell me. They’re watching over me. I go to my clinic—the Senior Citizen’s Clinic. I call it that because nothing but older people are there.

I can’t believe I am that old now. I don’t feel that old, but I know I am. I am so pleased that I got to be 81 and I’m glad. Of my mother’s children, four of us are left. My sister Marion turned 87 the other day—the 14th of April. She was my mother’s oldest child. Mary Edith turns 80 next January. Norman is 83.

Staying Healthy: Good Nutrition and Physical Activity

Michelle: What things did you do to stay healthy?

Mrs. Harris: I am thankful that I took care of myself over the years. I would go to bed early most nights. I liked to get up early in the morning. It made me feel better. Now, I get up a little later. Eight is the latest I get up. The sunrise—how come I don’t see it now? I loved that house on Southern Avenue when I could see the sunrise.

I eat what I’m supposed to eat. In elementary school, I learned to eat properly. I participate in some food programs. [See September 2005 EOR for more about SHARE, CSFP, FMNP and the Senior Wellness Program.] I enjoy cooking for myself and I will do it as long as I can.

I guess walking is one thing I did. Dancing a little bit. Having a good time was part of it—not being stupid, not overdoing it. Laughing and joking and having fun.

In those days, I never learned to drive. I always knew how to walk to get to where I wanted to go. I would ride when I had to, but most of the time, I put my feet down and walked and never looked back. If it were within walking distance, I walked. By the time you waited for the bus, you could have been there, especially if you knew the shortcuts. I walked a lot.

I’ve stopped walking as much as I used to. I want to stay healthy and mobile so that I can keep on being able to go. I have to get back my waist. I cannot fit into all the beautiful suits I have.

Making Sense of the New Medicare Prescription Drug Program

Michelle: How is the new Medicare prescription drug program working for you?

Mrs. Harris: I just don’t like this new way they are dealing with us. It costs a lot more now. I got this letter, but it was confusing. I have a little card. It comes under Medicare. I don’t go to [a national chain]. They would charge you through the roof. I go to my own [clinic’s pharmacy].

My medicine—it’s my life, just like food now. If the doctor says I have to have a medicine, I will pay for it. If I have to have it, I have to get it. Staying healthy is important to me. Taking my medicine and eating right—they are important to me.

As you get older, you don’t want things to change. But, they have to change. Maybe in a couple of years we can tell about this new Medicare program. We haven’t had time to see how it works.

Spiritual and Mental Health

Michelle: What would you have done differently?

Mrs. Harris: There is nothing I would have changed. I always believed in God and His will. I talk to Him. When you talk to God, you have no worries. What will be, will be. Most of the time, it’s good. If your spiritual health is okay, your mental health comes right there. I’m speaking for me. I cannot talk about anyone else.

Happy Mother’s Day To All!

Michelle Harris is a Registered Dietitian whose focus is public and community health through education, information, and research. Contact her at bharris2@umd.edu . Eloise Harris is her mother. Photo by Eric P. Smith and Bernadette N. Smith.


<--Back to East of the river	Print This Page
Feeling Healthy Past Age Eighty:
Eloise Hall Harris
by: B. Michelle Harris, MS, RD, MPH
How does one reach age 80 with good health? What health challenges do older seniors face? What roles do nutrition and physical activity play in keeping fit as one ages? For Mother’s Day, I interviewed Eloise Hall Harris, a native Washingtonian and longtime resident of East of the River. She talked frankly about health issues she faces and what she does to stay healthy. Mrs. Harris was born November 15, 1924. She graduated from Dunbar High when African Americans were restricted to three high schools for Negroes, as we were called then. She completed two years at Miners Teachers College. At age 54, she earned a bachelor’s degree in City Planning from Federal City College. Now 81, Mrs. Harris has lived in three neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. She was involved in school issues and represented neighborhood children. She immersed herself in local affairs concerning schools, transportation, housing, and voting. Her voice was heard through many Letters to the Editor published in the three Washington newspapers of the 1960s and 1970s. She was passionate about making a difference in her community and in the lives of children. Health Challenges After 80 Michelle: At 81½, what are your biggest health challenges? *Mrs. Harris:* I never had that much [pain]. And when I do, I don’t think about it too much. I walk slowly so I won’t fall. I don’t go out in the snow. Next year, if Metro Access comes, I’ll have them take me to my doctor’s appointment when it snows. I always did what the doctor told me to do. I want to be around for a few more years, so I listen to what they tell me. They’re watching over me. I go to my clinic—the Senior Citizen’s Clinic. I call it that because nothing but older people are there. I can’t believe I am that old now. I don’t feel that old, but I know I am. I am so pleased that I got to be 81 and I’m glad. Of my mother’s children, four of us are left. My sister Marion turned 87 the other day—the 14th of April. She was my mother’s oldest child. Mary Edith turns 80 next January. Norman is 83. Staying Healthy: Good Nutrition and Physical Activity *Michelle:* What things did you do to stay healthy? *Mrs. Harris:* I am thankful that I took care of myself over the years. I would go to bed early most nights. I liked to get up early in the morning. It made me feel better. Now, I get up a little later. Eight is the latest I get up. The sunrise—how come I don’t see it now? I loved that house on Southern Avenue when I could see the sunrise. I eat what I’m supposed to eat. In elementary school, I learned to eat properly. I participate in some food programs. [See September 2005 EOR for more about SHARE, CSFP, FMNP and the Senior Wellness Program.] I enjoy cooking for myself and I will do it as long as I can. I guess walking is one thing I did. Dancing a little bit. Having a good time was part of it—not being stupid, not overdoing it. Laughing and joking and having fun. In those days, I never learned to drive. I always knew how to walk to get to where I wanted to go. I would ride when I had to, but most of the time, I put my feet down and walked and never looked back. If it were within walking distance, I walked. By the time you waited for the bus, you could have been there, especially if you knew the shortcuts. I walked a lot. I’ve stopped walking as much as I used to. I want to stay healthy and mobile so that I can keep on being able to go. I have to get back my waist. I cannot fit into all the beautiful suits I have. Making Sense of the New Medicare Prescription Drug Program *Michelle:* How is the new Medicare prescription drug program working for you? Mrs. Harris: I just don’t like this new way they are dealing with us. It costs a lot more now. I got this letter, but it was confusing. I have a little card. It comes under Medicare. I don’t go to [a national chain]. They would charge you through the roof. I go to my own [clinic’s pharmacy]. My medicine—it’s my life, just like food now. If the doctor says I have to have a medicine, I will pay for it. If I have to have it, I have to get it. Staying healthy is important to me. Taking my medicine and eating right—they are important to me. As you get older, you don’t want things to change. But, they have to change. Maybe in a couple of years we can tell about this new Medicare program. We haven’t had time to see how it works. Spiritual and Mental Health *Michelle:* What would you have done differently? *Mrs. Harris:* There is nothing I would have changed. I always believed in God and His will. I talk to Him. When you talk to God, you have no worries. What will be, will be. Most of the time, it’s good. If your spiritual health is okay, your mental health comes right there. I’m speaking for me. I cannot talk about anyone else. Happy Mother’s Day To All! Michelle Harris is a Registered Dietitian whose focus is public and community health through education, information, and research. Contact her at bharris2@umd.edu . Eloise Harris is her mother. Photo by Eric P. Smith and Bernadette N. Smith.