@BlueFinch wrote:
Luck of the draw, er ... genes. Plus motivation. I've seen many in my life and career who were in their 90's and still on their feet and moderately active.
In fact, I have a neighbor in his 90's, right now, who still drives and only stopped delivering for Meals on Wheels a few years ago. After he retired, he immediately sought avenues for assisting others, instead of languishing at home. He spent years as a volunteer in a local hospital, too.
He is mentally as sharp as a tack, too. No signs of cognitive impairment. His mantra is to never stop, that if you stop, you decline. Decline long enough and you can't come back.
I've been blessed with beautiful, inspiring neighbors. I also have an 86 year old neighbor who still drives and goes to Planet Fitness every morning. He also is the caregiver for his wife who is in poor health. Busy man.
Too many seniors begin to feel devalued and simply give up. Doing something we love, as we age, is a motivator to get up and going on those cranky, achy brakey days most will have.
Feeling we are important contributors can extend life and happiness to the end. Feeling some joy from any positive experience releases happy hormones, at any age, we can all use.
Very well said, and just as I was thinking. I've seen this in people I know as well, including my grandpa who lived to 92 and was always busy, and his daughter, my mom, who made it to 91...at 86 before she had to stop driving she was on a cane with a bum knee, but still going to "Curves" to exercise 3 days a week...down from 5 a few years before. Always liked to be on the go. In assisted living she still took exercise classes and always was ready to get out and go with me anywhere...still loved putting herself together, getting manicures etc.
I had a dentist, reminds me of Stan...he was 88 last time he worked on my teeth. People are horrified usually when I say this. At 90 his family, I'm sure, had to push him to "retire"...still...I went to an event in his honor...they were all still calling it "a leave of absense." lol....Good ole Doc S., I'm sure they knew they just couldn't use that "retire" word with him. He would always tell me "find something you LOVE to do...I LOVE my work!!" God bless him...he always had advice for me, that went way beyond how to keep my teeth healthy.
Yes, much of it is luck and good genes, but SO important to have purpose, stay engaged in life, learn knew things...maybe easier for some than others depending on lifestyle, health, ability to get out and about...but we must find ways...I believe it does keep you going. Medical science has made us all stay alive longer, so it's more important than ever we try to make that a "quality" of life...in any way we can.
ps. Love that sweet Stan Herman...and yes, he does seem younger than his years...God Bless him, seems like he can easily be one of those that makes 100 in good health...hope so.
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