Marie is 92 years old. She is presently recovering from a shattered hip that she incurred during a fall. The fall was the result of being "attacked" by her 2-year-old great-grandson. He was being playful, and she lost her balance. The result was a hip replacement for Marie. Although still in some pain, Marie is healing well, and is eagerly looking forward to resuming normal activities. She still cannot drive but, with the assistance of a cane, she is walking. She goes to the garage and starts her car every few days, and in the near future she plans to practice backing it out of the garage. Realizing that she must regain her strength gradually, Marie is preparing for the day when her leg is strong enough to enable her to drive. With a chuckle, she says, "I know the little fellow was just playing with me, but I'm careful to stay seated when I'm around him now."

Born in Missouri, Marie also grew up here. She is the mother of two sons. She also has six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Marie and her husband were married 58 years when he died, and she has been a widow for 15 years. She lives alone and is quite independent.

Nova Scotia and Alaska are just a few of the places where Marie has traveled. She belongs to several senior groups and much of her travel has been a result of those groups. She also admits that she likes to gamble sometimes.

Although Marie doesn't attend church too often anymore, she does watch church services on her TV. "I feel very good that I can still get out and go to things," says Marie, "Even though I don't enjoy being grounded for now from driving."

During her late husband's lengthy illness, Marie became depressed. Her doctor told her to get out of the house more, and her friends got her started going to the senior center. She continues to go "Because I like to be with people, and I have lots of friends." When asked what is 'really you,' Marie responded somewhat hesitantly, "I'm just me. I don't know . . . just being myself, being friendly, and making friends." But there was no hesitation when she was asked what meant the most to her. "My family," she replied firmly.

Describing 'Successful Aging,' Marie said, "Keep busy and keep your mind occupied. Don't feel sorry for yourself! Look around you. There are many others worse off than you are. I just keep going, and keep making new friends. I also believe you must be a friend in order to make a friend."

Asked if she planned for her older years during middle age, Marie replied, "No, I just lived day by day. But, I lived through the depression, and that experience helped me deal with life as it comes. I don't need a lot; I have plenty to eat, and my funeral is prepaid."

The only work-related organizations Marie ever belonged to were unions, and she is no longer affiliated with them. She spent most of her employment years working in factories. She worked in a cleaning plant for several years, and also in a dress factory. She retired in 1971. Marie summed up her current outlook in this manner: "I feel pretty good about myself. I'm independent -- too much so, according to my children -- and while my physical condition has changed somewhat over the years, I have been fortunate in that my mental state has not."