LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, May 16, 2011

Cake, Ice Cream, and Health Screening

The United States Administration on Aging has declared May to be "Older Americans Month."  Cities and counties across the country are honoring the lives of the elderly.  Transylvania County held a big celebrating, especially noting the citizens who are one hundred years old and older.  I think it is appropriate that along with the cake, punch, and ice cream, free health screenings were available.







When 100-year-old Irving Hyman received his invitation he immediately asked if he could bring a date.  He invited his girlfriend and dancing partner to attend the celebration with him.  After all, she is only 91.



Photograph from The Transylvania Times







Both Mr. Hyman and his friend Kay Kadden live in assisted living apartments in a retirement community downtown.  Both of them take advantage of all the activities there, and their favorite is dancing.

He was a teacher and school principal until he retired.  Friends say he was always known for being a snappy dresser and that is no less true today.  When asked the secret to his longevity Mr. Hyman replied, "Optimism.  Always be an optimist."

So here's to all the Older Americans.  Heck, they didn't list the guidelines...I think I might just be one of them myself.  And if I can age as gracefully as Mr. Hyman and Ms. Kadden I would happily live to be a hundred.

9 comments:

Taradharma said...

I had a neighbor who recently turned 100. She is legally blind, but walks to church every morning. You know it's 8 a.m. because Margaret is walking by. She is lively and independent, living on her own with the help of friends who watch out for her.

If I could live healthfully and happily at that age, I say "go for it!" Just think, that would give me another 47 years of life....just what could I do with that amount of time? Hmmmm.....

Karin said...

Love the idea of Older Americans Month! What a lovely, energetic couple - who certainly don't look their age. Genetics plus the optimism may have something to do with it. We've actually had some very crotchety folks become centenarians!

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a cute couple!

I have a 50-year-old friend who occasionally gets invited to the dances at the Assisted Living facility by a 92-year-old acquaintance. She loves to go--says that there aren't many times that she is invited to be "arm candy."

Dawn Fine said...

Wow..they look great! Would love to live that long if my health was good.

Ruth said...

I think they should offer carrot sticks, apple slices and whole grain treats rather than cake, ice cream and punch, especially for those who want to live a long healthy life. ;-)

Busy Bee Suz said...

What a wonderful bit of news!!!

Vicki Lane said...

Inspiring! They both look great!

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Tara - I agree, if we had those guarantees I'd go for it as well.

Karin - I've always maintained that folks age in the manner in which they lived. If they were angry and crotchety they become more so. If they were gently and kind they also age with grace and charm.

Merrily - The relatively small number of older men makes them really desirable to the women, especially if they can still drive a car. I love that she is "arm candy."

Ruth - I suspect the carrots and apples would need to be cooked for most of them.

Cicero Sings said...

Those two look GREAT for their ages! Thinking of my Mom and her age ... I think it is do in part that she wasn't a negative person, never held grudges and was yes, optimistic.