Today’s post wraps up a 3-part series on How to Add 7 ½ Years to Your Life. Let’s celebrate and learn from some role models.
- Anna Stucker: I’ll start with this remarkable centenarian who turns 100 in two days on April 10. Anna is a vibrant role model of staying engaged and fit. She is also 100% mentally sharp and as smart as ever. Anna’s daily work-out regimen not only keeps her fit, it also provides interaction with a community of other fitness enthusiasts. Moreover, Anna can still fit into her Jayhawks cheerleader uniform from her days as a University of Kansas cheerleader!
- Elsie Blum: I’ll turn next to the role model I know best, my mother Elsie. I’ve written often about her successful transition into her senior years. Now a vibrant 94 who is also still 100% mentally sharp, I credit her community involvement as the primary reason for her success. When my dad died 21 years ago, my mom took over the catering operation at our synagogue as a full-time volunteer. At 90, she moved into the Stayton, a fabulous senior community where she thrives in all their programs and social activities. With her ever-present smile and positive mental attitude, she declares (in her “Lady Bird Johnson” southern accent): “I’m living in the lap of luxury!” It’s not just that her apartment is beautiful, but what she really means is that her life is luxurious.
- Opal Lee: Fort Worth’s 98-year-old “Grandmother of Juneteenth” is another example of longevity propelled by purposeful living. Lee’s courage led to her being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She single-handedly led the charge to get June 19 (“Juneteenth”) declared the 11th federal holiday. Lee overcame the adversity of seeing 500 white rioters burn down her home on Juneteenth in 1939. That spurred her to a life of activism. Upon receiving the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from Fort Worth’s Multicultural Alliance, Lee challenged us to “make yourself a committee of one” to fight for a cause meaningful to you, and others will join you. That passion not only sustains Opal Lee, it keeps her forever young.
- John Scharffenberg: Another 100-year-old role model is this longevity expert. His M.O.? Exercise! “For every hour you exercise, you gain three additional hours of life.” Per Scharffenberg, working out not only extends life, it reduces risk of Alzheimer’s. It doesn’t have to be in the gym. Gardening or farming works just as well.
- Jane Fonda: The Oscar-winning actress, now 87, is another fitness guru who recently revealed on the CBS “Sunday Morning” show her key to living longer. Per Fonda, it’s all about having a good attitude. The number one way to do that is to join a community, whether it’s painting, singing, dancing, exercising, or flower arranging. Doing so reduces stress, makes us braver, kinder to ourselves, and less judgmental.
- Kay McConaughey: The 93-year-old mother of Matthew is a “razor sharp firecracker,” per Jennifer Birn’s recent Austin Lifestyle article “Life and Lessons from Kay McConaughey.” Her secret? “I eat clean. I exercise and I don’t stress… You are what you eat, and you are what you think… That’s why I think positive.” Her favorite food is salmon, reminding me of a TIGER 21 lecture from Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, a certified lipidologist, who declared salmon as the “number one food on the planet.” She also keeps up with current events and stays curious, a role model for Chip Conley’s definition of a “Modern Elder” as one who is as curious as you are wise.
McConaughey sees happiness as a choice. She overcame struggles with her mother and stepmother, determined to not be like them. “I’m a happy, happy, happy person… I don’t talk negative. I’ve chosen to be happy, in spite of the way that I was treated by those two women. You have a choice.”
I see some themes emerging here—community, mental and physical fitness, purpose-driven passions all making you “happy, happy, happy.” And as Kay’s son Matthew would say, “Alright, Alright, Alright!”
Marvin Blum with Anna Stucker, celebrating her 100th birthday this month. Anna is a role model for fitness and a positive attitude.
