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You're never too old to be involved, stay active...
contributes to
quality of life, successful aging
Dr.
Russell Clark of Orem, Utah leads a fairly active life: he walks four or
five miles a day, occasionally drives to Las Vegas to check on the
management of his investment property, attends movies and the opera, and
volunteers his time helping others.
What
makes him rather unusual is that he does all this at the age of 103.
In
fact, in the twenty years since he officially “retired” from his career
as a surgeon at the tender age of 83, Clark has been involved in a broad
variety of pursuits. Good genes? Yes, he
concedes. His “kid sister” is 97, while an aunt made it to 106, and an
uncle lived to 107.
But in addition to good genes, Clark credits having
things to do and goals to accomplish as his keys to keeping in the
pink—as well as exercising and maintaining a good diet.
Sign of the Times?
Dr.
Clark was recently recognized as “America’s Oldest Worker” by Experience
Works, a nonprofit organization offering training, employment, and
community service opportunities for mature workers. His story is a great
source of inspiration for everyone approaching what used to be called
“retirement age.”
And he is not alone—there is a rapidly growing army of
older Americans who are pursuing second or third careers, volunteering
their time in their communities, and getting involved in other
activities in numbers that can’t be ignored.
A 2002 survey by Peter D. Hart Research Associates found that more than
half (59 percent) of individuals 50 and older see retirement as “a time
to be active and involved, to start new activities, and to set new
goals.” Those who plan to work in their retirement cite the desire to
stay active and productive, rather than economic necessity, as the
reason.
A
Wide Range of Options
Research clearly shows that actively engaged individuals are more likely
to remain mentally and physically stimulated and, as a result, enjoy a
better quality of life. The MacArthur Foundation’s “Study of Aging in
America” identified engaging in life as a key component to successful
aging. Remaining actively engaged can take many forms, from maintaining
close relationships with family and friends, to staying involved in
productive activities such as paid and volunteer work, taking a class,
joining a book club and more.
When asked why he likes volunteering, Frank is quick to mention the many
interesting new friends and acquaintances he’s made — including a master
clock repairman blind since birth and an elderly woman who was born the
day the Titanic sank in 1912. A 72-year old retiree living in Windsor,
Connecticut, Frank enjoys volunteering his time in a number of ways,
from delivering Meals on Wheels with his wife, Effie, to serving as a
volunteer teacher in his town’s adult education program.
In
addition to meeting new people, Frank says these experiences also give
him motivation to explore some old interests and develop fresh
perspectives — such as brushing up for the classes in philosophy and
checkers he teaches as a volunteer. And, he adds with a laugh, it gets
him out of the house.
By
pursuing old interests, developing new ones, volunteering, and keeping
their minds open to new experiences and opportunities, millions of
Americans are helping themselves and their communities. |