At 100 and Upside Down: How Dick Van Dyke’s Inversion-Table Workout Reframes Aging and Fitness

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A public moment: the inversion-table video and the reaction it sparked
4. Why sustained, varied exercise matters after 65
5. Inversion tables: what they do and the evidence for older adults
6. How Van Dyke’s routine mirrors best practices for long-term fitness
7. A practical, evidence-based weekly program for older adults
8. Safety and medication considerations for seniors who exercise
9. The social and psychological dimensions: why working out with a partner matters
10. Real-world examples of longevity and sustained activity
11. When to avoid inversion therapy and safer alternatives
12. Movement as medicine: cognitive and mood benefits
13. Adapting exercise through health transitions: strategies for progressive change
14. Practical guidance for caregivers and older adults inspired by Van Dyke
15. Addressing common myths about aging and exercise
16. How clinicians evaluate fitness and prescribe activity in late life
17. Policy and community implications: enabling movement for older populations
18. The limits of celebrity examples—and the enduring message
19. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Dick Van Dyke, approaching 101, posted a video of himself using an inversion table, reinforcing his long-established three-times-a-week exercise routine and surprising fans with his strength and agility.
• His example underscores established research: consistent, varied exercise preserves mobility, balance, and independence into advanced age. Inversion therapy offers potential benefits but carries specific risks for older adults and requires careful, medically informed use.
• Practical takeaways for seniors: prioritize strength, balance, and flexibility training; consult a physician before trying inversion therapy; and favor gradual, safe progression with social support and routine.

Introduction

When a public figure crosses the century mark while still moving with purpose, attention follows. Dick Van Dyke—beloved for a career that spans stage, screen and song—shared a brief Instagram clip showing him on an inversion table. He lay back, legs elevated, arms casually folded behind his head: a simple moment that captured something far larger. It wasn’t just a celeb showing off an unconventional piece of equipment. It was an image that reframes expectations about aging, movement and what sustained fitness looks like at 100 years old.

Van Dyke has spoken openly about exercising three times a week with his wife, Arlene Silver, and his social-media posts and public encounters—like the gym meeting recalled by musician Rick Springfield—illustrate a consistent pattern. That pattern aligns with decades of clinical evidence linking regular activity to preserved function, lower disease risk and enhanced well-being in later life. Yet his inversion-table clip also invites specific questions: what does inversion therapy actually do, and is it safe for someone in their late 90s or early 100s? What lessons can older adults and their families take from Van Dyke’s routine without placing themselves at undue risk?

This article examines the phenomenon from multiple angles. It places Van Dyke’s practice in the context of exercise science for older adults, explains the mechanisms and trade-offs of inversion therapy, supplies safety guidance for seniors and caregivers, offers a practical weekly program model rooted in public-health recommendations, and highlights several real-world examples of longevity paired with activity. The goal is not to replicate celebrity habits but to extract evidence-based principles that anyone can apply to preserve mobility, independence and quality of life.

A public moment: the inversion-table video and the reaction it sparked

The clip that rekindled conversation about Van Dyke’s fitness was brief and direct: the actor reclined on an inversion table, his body angled with legs elevated and hands resting behind his head. The post generated a cascade of reactions—admiration, disbelief and humor—from fans noting his apparent agility and steadfast routine. One comment quipped that the rest of us had “absolutely no excuse” to skip exercise. Another viewer, worried about safety, suggested he should go indoors. Rick Springfield posted his own recollection of seeing Van Dyke “working out on every machine” during a Men’s Health shoot and pointed out that the actor even slipped in a little dance step after a strength set.

Those responses illustrate two public perceptions. First, consistent movement at an advanced age inspires and normalizes activity for older cohorts. Second, unconventional practices—like inversion—trigger concern about safety. Both are valid. The video works as a cultural touchpoint: it validates the message that decades-long, routine exercise pays off while simultaneously prompting a closer look at how to adopt practices safely.

Van Dyke’s own comments give context beyond spectacle. He has long stated that he exercises three days a week with Arlene Silver, and he has acknowledged the natural limits that come with age—“I miss movement. I’ve got one game leg from I don’t know what,” he told an interviewer—while still affirming his commitment to dance and activity. Those candid lines are essential. They show a balance between realism about aging and an active approach to preserving function.

Why sustained, varied exercise matters after 65

Aging changes muscles, bones, joints and balance systems. Without regular stimulus, skeletal muscle mass declines at a rate of roughly 1–2% per year after middle age; this process, called sarcopenia, accelerates after 70. Bone mineral density drops, increasing fracture risk. Reaction time, proprioception and vestibular function shift, raising the odds of falls. Cardiovascular capacity slowly diminishes. Together, these changes threaten independence.

Exercise addresses these pathways directly. Resistance training preserves and rebuilds muscle mass and strength; weight-bearing activity preserves bone density; balance and proprioceptive training reduce fall risk; aerobic work maintains cardiovascular health and metabolic function. Beyond physical systems, regular activity supports mood, cognitive function and social engagement—three factors tightly linked to longevity and life satisfaction.

Public-health organizations translate these mechanisms into practical prescriptions. For older adults, guidelines consistently recommend a multicomponent approach:

• Aerobic activity: at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, adjusted to ability.
• Muscle-strengthening: two or more nonconsecutive days per week targeting major muscle groups.
• Balance training: activities on three or more days per week when there is a risk of falls.
• Flexibility and mobility work: regular sessions to sustain range of motion.

Van Dyke’s reported three-times-weekly habit aligns with these recommendations if sessions incorporate strength, balance and some aerobic work. The long-term payoff is not mere longevity. It’s preserved independence, lower rates of chronic disease, maintained cognitive function and a higher quality of life.

Inversion tables: what they do and the evidence for older adults

Inversion therapy involves positioning the body so the head is lower than the feet. Inversion tables rotate around an axis, allowing users to adjust the inversion angle and duration. Advocates claim several benefits: spinal decompression for temporary relief of back pain, reduced disc compression, improved circulation and relief for certain postural complaints. Some small trials and mechanistic studies suggest short-term reductions in back pain and spinal traction benefits, but the literature is mixed and often limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up.

Potential benefits relevant to older adults include:

• Temporary spinal decompression that may relieve nerve root pressure and low-back pain in some individuals.
• A stretch of paraspinal muscles and connective tissues, which can reduce stiffness.
• A novel stimulus to proprioceptors and the vestibular system, offering potential balance and body-awareness benefits when used carefully.

Risks and contraindications are particularly important for older users:

• Inversion raises blood pressure and intraocular pressure. People with uncontrolled hypertension, glaucoma, retinal detachment risk, or cardiovascular disease should avoid prolonged or steep inversion without medical clearance.
• Orthostatic intolerance and dizziness can increase fall risk when returning upright. Seniors with vestibular disorders, balance impairment or arrhythmias face higher hazards.
• Reduced bone density elevates the risk of fracture in the event of a slip or fall getting on or off the device.
• Medications that affect blood pressure, heart rate or cognition can amplify these risks.

Clinical guidance for older adults considering inversion:

1. Consult a physician. A primary-care clinician or cardiologist can assess cardiovascular risk, ocular health and polypharmacy interactions.
2. Start conservative. Limit inversion angle—15–30 degrees initially—and session duration to 1–2 minutes, with slow transitions to upright position.
3. Use supervision. A caregiver or trainer should be present to assist and ensure the straps and hinges are secure.
4. Monitor vital signs. Watch for lightheadedness, palpitations or visual changes; stop immediately if symptoms occur.
5. Prefer qualified supervision. Physical therapists or certified trainers with geriatric experience can integrate inversion into a broader, individualized program.

The takeaway: inversion therapy can offer a targeted intervention for back-related issues, but it is not a universal fitness solution for older adults. Van Dyke’s use should be seen as one component within a longstanding, physician-cleared routine—if, indeed, he follows such precautions.

How Van Dyke’s routine mirrors best practices for long-term fitness

Van Dyke’s public remarks reveal a few specific behaviors that align with what science prescribes for healthy aging:

• Consistency over extremity: he exercises three days a week. Regularity matters more than sporadic high-intensity bursts. Consistent stimulus preserves muscle and cardiovascular function.
• Social reinforcement: he works out with his wife. Training with a partner boosts adherence, motivation and safety.
• Variety and functional movement: his routine includes gym work and dancing. Resistance training combined with functional movement (lifting, stepping, rotational work) improves everyday independence.
• Acceptance of limits: he acknowledges mobility decline yet continues to try to dance. That mindset—adapting activity rather than stopping altogether—supports resilience.

These elements create a durable program. A multicomponent weekly plan that balances strength, aerobic conditioning, balance and flexibility remains the most reliable way to protect function and reduce disease risk.

A practical, evidence-based weekly program for older adults

Below is a sample weekly structure modeled on public-health guidance and clinical practice. It retains the spirit of Van Dyke’s three-times-weekly commitment while expanding sessions to cover all critical domains.

Principles:

• Prioritize strength and balance.
• Use progressive overload for strength (increase resistance or repetitions gradually).
• Favor low-impact aerobic work for joint protection.
• Include daily mobility work.
• Build social or supervised sessions when possible.

Sample week (for a generally healthy older adult cleared by a physician)

Day 1 — Strength + Balance (45–60 minutes)

• Warm-up (5–10 min): brisk walk or step-touch and joint mobility (neck rotations, shoulder circles, ankle pumps).
• Strength circuit (2–3 rounds, 8–12 reps each): sit-to-stand (chair squats), seated row with resistance band, wall push-ups or knee push-ups, hip bridges, step-ups onto low step.
• Balance drills (10 min): tandem standing (heel-to-toe), single-leg stands with support, weight shifts.
• Cool-down (5–10 min): gentle stretches for hamstrings, calves, chest and hips.

Day 2 — Moderate Aerobic + Mobility (30–45 minutes)

• Brisk walking, cycling on a stationary bike, or water aerobics.
• Interval approach: 5-min warm-up, 20–30 min moderate continuous effort or 1–2 min higher-intensity intervals interspersed with recovery.
• Mobility focus: foam rolling or gentle yoga poses emphasizing hip and thoracic mobility.

Day 3 — Rest or Active Recovery

• Light stretching, short walks, or recreational activities like household chores or gardening.

Day 4 — Strength + Functional Training (45–60 minutes)

• Warm-up (5–10 min).
• Strength emphasis on lower body and core: resistance-band squats, deadlifts with light weight or KB, seated leg extensions with band, farmer’s carry with light weights for grip and posture.
• Functional tasks: practice getting up from the floor safely, carrying groceries, practice stair negotiation.
• Balance: dynamic exercises like walking with head turns, obstacle navigation.
• Cool-down and breathing exercises.

Day 5 — Balance and Low-Impact Cardio (30–45 minutes)

• Tai chi or dance-based class for coordination, rhythm and vestibular engagement.
• Optional short inversion-table session if cleared, brief and supervised.

Day 6 — Recreational Activity + Flexibility

• Longer walk in nature, swimming or a social sport.
• Extended stretch session or yoga class.

Day 7 — Rest

Progression notes:

• Increase resistance gradually every 2–4 weeks.
• Add complexity to balance exercises as steadiness improves (reduce contact with support).
• Monitor fatigue and soreness; adjust volume if recovery lags.

This schedule is adaptable for lower baseline fitness. Sessions can be shorter and intensity reduced. The critical factor is regularity and inclusion of strength and balance elements.

Safety and medication considerations for seniors who exercise

Older adults often take multiple medications that affect heart rate, blood pressure, balance and cognition. These interactions can change the safety profile of exercise and therapeutic modalities like inversion.

Key interactions to consider:

• Antihypertensives can cause orthostatic hypotension. Standing up quickly after inversion or rising from the floor may provoke dizziness.
• Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk. Heavy resistance or any modality with fall risk requires added caution.
• Beta blockers blunt heart-rate response. Perceived exertion becomes a more reliable intensity gauge than heart rate.
• Sedatives, sleep medications and some antidepressants increase fall risk by impairing balance and reaction time.

Before starting new equipment or an inversion protocol, review medications with a physician or pharmacist. Adjust exercise intensity and supervision accordingly.

Practical safety steps:

• Keep a phone or alarm nearby during solo sessions.
• Use sturdy, well-maintained equipment with non-slip surfaces.
• Work with certified fitness professionals experienced in geriatric exercise when possible.
• Monitor blood pressure and pulse if starting a new regimen or using inversion devices.
• Prioritize controlled movements over speed. Slow, deliberate practice reduces injury risk and improves neuromuscular control.

The social and psychological dimensions: why working out with a partner matters

Van Dyke’s public remarks repeatedly highlight a partner-based routine—exercising with his wife. Evidence supports this approach. Social support improves adherence rates to exercise programs across age groups. The psychological benefits extend beyond motivation: shared activity strengthens bonds, provides mutual accountability and reduces isolation.

Programs that incorporate group classes, partner workouts or community centers show superior retention and improved mood outcomes versus solitary regimens. For seniors, community-based exercise offers additional safety: supervision, access to emergency response and modifications tailored to common chronic conditions.

Practical tips for couples or partners:

• Choose activities both enjoy—dance, walking, water aerobics or light resistance training.
• Assign complementary roles: one partner manages equipment setup while the other oversees timing and rests.
• Celebrate milestones together: increased reps, longer walks or new balance skills.
• Keep competition friendly; the goal is shared health and longevity.

Van Dyke’s example demonstrates how partnership can be woven into a long-term fitness identity. The presence of a trusted companion reduces barriers and makes routine adherence more likely.

Real-world examples of longevity and sustained activity

Celebrity examples are tempting shorthand; they illustrate possibilities without serving as prescriptive models. Consider these profiles for context—each demonstrates how sustained movement contributes to prolonged activity and engagement.

• Tao Porchon-Lynch: a yoga teacher who taught into her 100s, combining daily movement, social engagement and a lifelong commitment to flexibility and balance training. Her practice underscores the value of adaptability—yoga offers progressive challenges while remaining accessible.
• Fauja Singh: known as an older marathon runner, he completed organized runs into his 90s and beyond, emphasizing that endurance-based goals can remain viable with proper training and caution. Marathon-level pursuits require long-term conditioning, structured recovery and regular medical oversight.
• Community-dwelling centenarians who engage in gardening, walking, social clubs and light resistance training consistently show higher functional independence on population studies than frail peers who are sedentary.

Each example underlines a principle: activity need not be extreme to be beneficial. Sustained, purposeful movement tailored to personal interests yields outsized returns for physical and mental health.

When to avoid inversion therapy and safer alternatives

Inversion tables are not suitable for everyone. Contraindications that should stop someone from attempting inversion include:

• Uncontrolled hypertension or severe cardiovascular disease.
• Known or suspected glaucoma, recent eye surgery or high intraocular pressure.
• Severe osteoporosis or recent fragility fractures.
• Uncontrolled vertigo or vestibular disorders.
• Recent stroke, uncontrolled arrhythmias or other unstable medical conditions.

Safer alternatives for spine health and pain relief:

• Supervised physical therapy with guided traction options that allow finer control.
• Aquatic therapy, which provides unloading of joints and gentle resistance for strengthening.
• Pilates and core-stability training to reinforce spinal support without head-down positions.
• Targeted mobility and manual therapy performed by licensed therapists.
• Short, moderate-intensity inversion or tilt-table use under medical supervision for those cleared, with strict limits on angle and duration.

Clinicians tailor recommendations to individual risk profiles. An older adult with stable blood pressure, no ocular or cardiac restrictions, and good balance may tolerate limited, supervised inversion. For many others, alternative modalities achieve similar goals with fewer systemic risks.

Movement as medicine: cognitive and mood benefits

Exercise is a proven means to preserve not only muscles and bones but also cognition and mood. Aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow and supports neurotrophic factors associated with memory and executive function. Resistance training improves insulin sensitivity and reduces systemic inflammation—both linked to better cognitive trajectories.

Older adults who exercise regularly show lower rates of depression and anxiety and improved sleep quality. Group activities amplify these gains through social engagement. Van Dyke’s continued dancing and gym work provide a practical example: combining aerobic rhythm-based movement (dance) with resistance training touches multiple domains—motor coordination, memory, social interaction and cardiovascular fitness.

Programs that combine cognitive challenges with physical activity—dual-task training—produce measurable benefits for fall reduction and cognitive function. Examples include walking while performing memory tasks or step patterns that require sequence recall. These techniques are especially valuable for seniors with mild cognitive impairment.

Adapting exercise through health transitions: strategies for progressive change

Aging is not a static process. Medical events, surgeries and gradual declines necessitate program adaptations. The best long-term strategies are responsive and pragmatic.

When to scale back:

• Recent hospitalization or surgery: follow rehabilitation protocols and begin with low-intensity mobility work.
• Acute infection or decompensated chronic illness: rest and graded return when clinically stable.
• New symptoms like chest pain, unexplained breathlessness or sudden neurological signs: immediate medical evaluation before resuming activity.

When to modify:

• Joint pain: substitute low-impact modalities such as cycling, aquatic therapy or elliptical machines.
• Balance decline: increase supervised balance training and reduce fall-risk tasks until stability improves.
• Fatigue or poor recovery: shorten sessions, reduce frequency temporarily, emphasize nutrition and sleep.

Rehabilitation professionals—physical therapists, exercise physiologists and geriatricians—engineer safe progressions. Van Dyke’s frank admission that he has “one game leg” suggests he accepts limited capacity while continuing to adapt activities, a crucial mindset for long-term engagement.

Practical guidance for caregivers and older adults inspired by Van Dyke

1. Focus on the fundamentals: strength, balance, aerobic capacity and flexibility. These four domains predict independence more reliably than any single activity.
2. Make exercise habitual: choose days, times and a reliable partner or class to embed activity into weekly life.
3. Prioritize safety while preserving challenge. Use assistive devices, supervision and gradual progression.
4. Consult health professionals before starting equipment-based therapies like inversion.
5. Choose joy. Dance, gardening, games and social sports sustain adherence more effectively than punitive routines.
6. Monitor medications and medical conditions twice yearly—or sooner if changes occur—to align exercise intensity with physiological status.
7. Track functional goals rather than vanity metrics. Aim to climb stairs, carry groceries or get up from the floor without assistance.

These steps move the conversation beyond emulation of a celebrity moment and toward actionable change.

Addressing common myths about aging and exercise

Myth: After a certain age, strength training is dangerous and unnecessary. Fact: Resistance training is among the most effective interventions to reverse sarcopenia and reduce fall and fracture risk. It is both safe and beneficial when tailored and supervised.

Myth: High-intensity exercise is the only way to gain health benefits. Fact: Moderate-intensity activities performed regularly yield substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality. Strength training and balance work provide distinct, non-redundant benefits.

Myth: Inversion tables cure chronic back pain. Fact: Inversion may alleviate symptoms for some individuals temporarily, but it is not a cure. Outcomes vary and require medical screening; alternative therapies often provide similar or better long-term relief.

Myth: If you can’t match a celebrity’s routine, it’s pointless to try. Fact: Celebrities can inspire, but effective programs are individualized. Small, consistent improvements compound over months and years.

Correcting these myths equips older adults and their families to adopt practices that preserve autonomy and reduce unnecessary fear.

How clinicians evaluate fitness and prescribe activity in late life

Geriatric assessment integrates function, cognition, mood, social support and comorbidity burden. Primary-care providers and geriatricians use simple functional tests to guide exercise prescriptions:

• Timed Up and Go (TUG): evaluates basic mobility and fall risk.
• 30-Second Sit-to-Stand: assesses lower-body strength.
• Four-Stage Balance Test or tandem gait: gauges postural control.
• Gait speed over a 4-meter course: predictive of survival and functional decline.

These assessments inform a tailored plan. Clinicians recommend starting at lower dosages and advancing with measurable milestones. They also screen for contraindications to specific therapies—like inversion—by reviewing cardiovascular risk, ocular issues and medication profiles.

Integration of physical therapists and certified exercise professionals into primary care improves adherence and outcomes. Referral pathways enable safe adoption of equipment or complex programs.

Policy and community implications: enabling movement for older populations

Individual behavior is shaped by environment. Municipal policies and community resources determine opportunities for safe, regular activity. Key public-health levers include:

• Age-friendly recreational centers offering tailored classes and trained staff.
• Sidewalks, parks and safe pedestrian infrastructure that enable outdoor walking.
• Subsidized programs for seniors that remove cost barriers to gyms, pools and classes.
• Telehealth and remote coaching for homebound older adults, facilitating supervised programs.

Communities that provide these options enable sustained activity at scale. Van Dyke’s story resonates because it implies access—time, a partner and facilities. Policy can extend similar resources to broader populations.

The limits of celebrity examples—and the enduring message

Celebrity moments inspire but cannot replace individualized medical advice. Dick Van Dyke’s inversion-table clip is compelling precisely because it challenges assumptions about age. He models habitual movement, social support and a playful engagement with activity. Those are the practical, evidence-backed ingredients that anyone can incorporate.

At the same time, inversion therapy and certain machines represent adjuncts, not essentials. A simple, consistent program emphasizing muscle strength, balance work and regular aerobic movement preserves daily function more reliably than any single device. The enduring message: recreate the principles behind Van Dyke’s routine—consistency, variety, supervision, and adaptation—not necessarily the exact moves.

FAQ

Q: Is it safe for an older adult to use an inversion table? A: It depends. People with uncontrolled hypertension, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, recent eye surgery, severe osteoporosis or vestibular disorders should not use inversion tables without physician clearance. For low-risk older adults, brief, shallow inversions (15–30 degrees) under supervision and with slow transitions can be tolerated. Always consult a clinician first, and consider alternatives like aquatic therapy or supervised traction if risk factors exist.

Q: How often should seniors exercise to see benefits? A: Follow multicomponent guidance: aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening exercises two or more days a week, and balance work on at least three days weekly when fall risk is present. For many older adults, three structured sessions per week—if they incorporate strength, balance and some aerobic work—provide a strong foundation.

Q: What are the best types of exercise for preventing falls? A: Balance-specific training (single-leg stands, tandem walking), progressive resistance training to improve lower-body strength, functional task practice (sit-to-stand, stair climbing) and coordinated activities such as tai chi or dance. Programs combining balance and strength produce the largest reductions in fall risk.

Q: My loved one is frail—how should exercise be introduced safely? A: Start with a medical evaluation and a low-dose, supervised program designed by a physical therapist or certified trainer. Emphasize seated or supported strength exercises, short bouts of walking or cycling, and incremental progression. Monitor fatigue and recovery, and prioritize functional goals like standing from a chair or walking a short distance unaided.

Q: Can exercise reverse age-related muscle loss? A: Exercise, particularly resistance training with adequate protein and recovery, can substantially reverse sarcopenia even in advanced age. Gains in strength and function are achievable; muscle hypertrophy may be more limited than in younger adults, but improvements in power, balance and independence are significant.

Q: What are safer alternatives to inversion tables for back pain? A: Supervised physical therapy, aquatic therapy, core-stability training, Pilates, targeted stretching and manual therapies are safer first-line approaches. If traction is indicated, clinical options with controlled, monitored parameters are preferable to unsupervised inversion.

Q: How do medications affect exercise safety? A: Many common medications—antihypertensives, anticoagulants, beta blockers, sedatives—alter blood pressure, coagulation, heart-rate response and balance. Review medications with a clinician when planning an exercise program, and use perceived exertion rather than heart-rate-based intensity if heart-rate response is blunted.

Q: How can caregivers encourage exercise adherence? A: Create routine, choose enjoyable shared activities, remove barriers (transportation, cost), celebrate small achievements and engage community resources (senior centers, classes). Pairing exercise with social engagement increases adherence and enhances psychological benefits.

Q: Are there signs exercise should be stopped and medical care sought? A: Yes. Stop and seek immediate care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, new focal weakness or numbness, severe dizziness, sudden visual changes or palpitations that do not resolve with rest. For persistent post-exercise lightheadedness, excessive fatigue or new pain, consult a clinician before continuing.

Q: What is a realistic goal for older adults inspired by Dick Van Dyke? A: A realistic, meaningful goal is preserving or improving functional independence: be able to rise from a chair without assistance, climb a set of stairs, walk a neighborhood block comfortably, or participate in a favorite recreational activity. These practical outcomes matter more for day-to-day life than replicating a celebrity’s exact regimen.

Van Dyke’s inversion-table moment captures attention because it combines longevity with a striking image. The deeper lesson is less about the device and more about the discipline: decades of consistent movement, social support and willingness to adapt keep function alive. Those elements are within reach for many older adults—and they form the best prescription for staying active, engaged and independent.