David is 78 years of age. He brought his family to Missouri in 1967, because of a job change. He is married and has three children -- two boys and a girl -- and two grandchildren. He and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. They had a big celebration, with 140 people attending - many of whom were from out of town.
Some "normal day" activities for David include everything from fixing up his home to attending line dancing classes at St. Joseph Health Center. He was preparing to leave for a two-week trip to Ireland and Scotland with his wife when he was interviewed. He also enjoys white water rafting. He and his wife are frequent participants in Elder Hostel, and have been to Thailand with the International Elder Hostel program - as well as to Jasper Park in Canada. They have a sailboat and still enjoy sailing. He is currently teaching his grandchildren to sail.
When asked what "feels good" to him, he replied, "Doing things I'm interested in. However, sometimes time constraints keeps me from doing as many of the things I enjoy as I'd like." David started skiing at around age 30, while living in the State of Washington. Last year a fellow member of his line dancing class told him about an opening for a ski instructor at Snow Creek, and urged him to apply. He did, and he taught skiing there during the winter of 1998-1999. David enjoys being outdoors in the winter, and he very much enjoys the changing seasons. "That probably comes from growing up in Ohio."
When asked what he does that is 'really him' David replied, "Everything I do is really me. I improvise on life as I go along. I also have an appreciation of other ethnic cultures." What has the most meaning to him? "Family and marriage!" he responded without hesitation.
Responding to the question of what Successful Aging means to him, David said, "I think they'd first have to examine what 'successful aging' means. Some of it's genetic. But, I have never smoked, never drunk alcohol, and I have stayed physically active." He eats well, and includes very little red meat in his diet. His diet consists mostly of chicken, fresh fish, and fresh vegetables. David plays tennis, but has no regular exercise regimen.
Asked how he would cope with a challenge or problem, David replied "I'd probably get angry first; then I'd just have to work it out." Did he do anything in middle age that prepared him for successful aging? "Not consciously. I just enjoy doing healthy things. I cannot judge others, because some [of successful aging] is luck. I was an engineer for AT&T for many years, and they had many savings opportunities. Also, we lived frugally, and within our budget."
Did he feel he had an adequate income to do most of the things he really wanted to do, David responded, "Yes, definitely!" David and his wife have been members of the United Nations Association and the All Souls Unitarian Church since 1967. They have been involved with Elder Hostel for the past eight or nine years. They were involved with the SPARK Program (Senior Peers Actively Renewing Knowledge) at a local university for several years, and David is a former president of the organization. He is, however, no longer active there. David has also taken several computer courses at the community college during recent years.
A botany major when he first went to college, David's education was put on hold when WWII came along and he served in the military. He comments, "At the end of the war I went back to college, but this time I earned a degree in physical education." In 1952 or 1953, David went to work for AT&T in Ohio, as an engineer. They transferred him to Missouri in 1967. He retired in 1991, at age 70.
"Being an engineer helped prepare me for my lifestyle today, because an engineer can fix almost anything," says David. However, his employer offered no extensive pre-retirement workshops.
Very few of David's friends were from work over the years. Many of them were from church and other organizations with which he and his wife were associated. He also has friends who share his love of sailing, as well as his love for jazz. When asked to describe his present 'frame of mind' David responded, "I'm just lucky to be here, and I'm interested in doing new things and seeing new places."
Has his current state changed in recent years? "That's pretty hard to judge," replied David. "Such things change gradually over the years, but I probably haven't changed much over the years." David said that he would do "Nothing," differently if he could start over. "I'm very happy with my life."
Any secrets on aging successfully? "Well, I understand that the way to live to be 100 is to make it to 99, and then be very careful!"
UPDATE: We heard from David in February 2001. Since our original interview, David has had quadruple heart by-pass surgery. He has been doing well through a year of cardiac rehab exercise and is now pursuing his normal activities. He exercises regularly at the hospital fitness center. Oh, yes, he has continued to teach downhill skiing at Snow Creek!