St. Joseph MO man redefines Aging in America and wins award

St. Joseph MO man redefines
Aging in America and wins award

Dale Ellis, 84, walks six days a week, reads U.S. News & World Report and the St. Joseph News- Press every day and works more than 40 hours per week. The ex-Navy man recently won Missouri's 2005 Older Worker of the Year award during a recognition luncheon April 29th at the Governor's Mansion and is redefining what it means to grow old in America. Missouri and the nation celebrate him and millions of others who are staying healthy, happy and active longer than ever before during Older Americans Month, May 2005.

In the not-too distant past, living, never mind working, beyond 65 did not happen. But Ellis began his second career with Omnium, the manufacturing division of Agriliance, at 78. "I was bored," says he. "I didn't want to stagnate. And my wife had just died."

The folks at Omnium welcomed him back as a part-time maintenance, repairs and operating coordinator. Sixteen years before, he had retired as their production manager. It didn't take long for Ellis' workload and hours to increase. Today, he manages an inventory that is valued at $800,000.

Kris Girard, human resources manager of the agricultural-based company in St. Joseph, says, "Dale's reduced the cost of our spare parts and materials. He has such a strong work ethic and is an inspiration to us all." Ellis is also the first one to bake a birthday cake for co-workers or express concern over life's uncertainties or sorrow. Chocolate cakes and cornbread are his specialties.

Older Americans like Ellis who adopt healthy habits*Ellis quit smoking 31 years ago and exercises*can expect to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. They can also save the healthcare system a lot, according to the Administration on Aging, sponsor of Older Americans Month.

For now, Ellis has no plans of retiring. "My dad, who was a carpenter and cabinetmaker, never retired," says Ellis. "He lived until 78. And he was the only one out of five boys and six girls who didn't live into their nineties."