Senior Citizens News Summaries by title
92-year-old role model for successful aging
The Zimmers go to Hollywood
‘At my age?’ AB-SO-LUTE-LY. Blessed with health and longevity, seniors refuse to act
their age
Positive attitude keeps 77-year-old businessman going
Age is no barrier for net ace
Ex-stockman rounds up art accolades at 84
Portsmouth native enjoying success in his 70s
80-year-old receives high school diploma
Seniors limber up with exercise classes
Hope to die before you get old? Think again
Granny’s grit inspires grads
Dot exports a wicked wit and big backhand
Age no barrier to career change
Granny inspires kids to stay out of trouble
Seniors shift work force
80-year-old Local lady Still Dancing
Man Fulfills skydiving dream on 90th birthday
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92-year-old a role model for successful aging
11th September 2007
By Paul Swiech
The Bloomington Pantagraph carried this delightful and informative article about a local resident Ed Diddams, aged 92, who has used a positive attitude to maintain his health and activity despite years of illness. Ed Diddams suffers from insulin-dependent diabetes and visual loss but inspires his family and friends with his upbeat attitude to life. Diddams has been able to successfully control his illness, eat right and maintain a regular exercise regime and has become a role model patient of successful aging for Dr. Uday Deoskar, a local geriatric specialist. According to Dr. Deoskar, Diddams adheres to some principles of successful aging. These include minimizing or controlling illness, social engagement and preservation of physical and mental health. Ed Diddams attributes his quality of life to his positive attitude. “Everybody I talk with says ‘Your attitude is good.’ That’s because I’m not complaining. I look at some people and they’re worse off than me. I’m lucky”. Diddams added “But some elderly people bitch and complain and what good does it do? You can’t accomplish anything by doing it. I’ve been very fortunate”. The article in The Pantagraph contains an interesting discussion and several useful practical tips for successful aging.
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The Zimmers go to Hollywood
12th July 2007
By Amanda Cable
The Daily Mail reported on a remarkable group of senior citizens who have found recent success in the music industry. The Zimmers are a 40-strong group of pensioners from the UK who have recently recorded a version of The Who’s classic hit My Generation. The video has become a cult classic on You Tube. There is certainly plenty of experience in this remarkable group. The 40 seniors involved in The Zimmers group have a combined age of 3,000! Members of The Zimmers recently enjoyed a promotional group to the USA where they met celebrities including Jay Leno and George Clooney. The promotion trip is the subject of a BBC television documentary. Profits from the sale of their version of My Generation have been donated to Age Concern. Winifred Warburton from the group told the reporter about her appearance on The Jay Leno Show. “If I had to fall for anyone in Hollywood, it would be that Jay Leno. He was lovely. We were all rather nervous about appearing on the show, but he came into our dressing room, took my hands in his and said: “you remind me of my dear old Mum”. As soon as he said that, it just put us all at ease”.
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‘At my age?’ AB-SO-LUTE-LY. Blessed with health and longevity, seniors refuse to act their age
5th March 2007
By Linda Thomas
This thought-provoking article challenges many popular beliefs about activities for older people. The subject of the article is 83-year-old Shanna Nicholson, of Hingham who has recently discovered the joy of sky diving. Nicholson remains committed to a challenging and active lifestyle despite her age. Shanna Nicholson challenges many of the traditional views about activities for seniors and points out that many older people are participating in interesting and exciting activities. Dr Shirley McMahon, a 72-year-old psychiatrist who is also a cancer survivor told reporter from The Patriot Ledger, “Some have been led by examples within their family while others have simply decided not to accept the limits imposed by ageism in our youth-oriented society”. This intriguing story profiled several other inspirational seniors who had achieved interesting things in their later years. Linda Thomas’s article is certainly worth a read!
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Positive attitude keeps 77-year-old businessman going
4th March 2007
By Erin Edgemon
The Murfreesboro Post profiled inspirational local entrepreneur Herman Burton. Burton has overcome tragedies and many difficult challenges during his colorful life. Several close family members have died violent deaths. Herman Burton has also experienced the effects of racial discrimination first hand. He also enjoyed some success on the sporting field. The article describes how Herman Burton has developed a successful business over the last 15 years and how involvement in the business has contributed to Herman’s sense of well-being. Burton’s business involves sales of carports and outbuildings. He has built a network of loyal customers and is well liked in the local community. According to the office assistant manager, Lisa Morrow, “He is a very nice, generous and kind man and willing to help a person in need”. Burton told the reporter that he enjoys his work and that he plans to continue his business as long as he remains physically capable. He stated “As I have gotten older, I decide to work smarter instead of harder”.
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Age is no barrier for net ace
10th February 2007
By John Meagher
The Montreal Gazette reported on the life of a remarkable 76-year-old ice hockey player. Jack Dunn commenced his career as a stand-in in 1980 but has continued ever since. He plays three nights a week all year round. Jack Dunn told the reporter that he plays over 150 games each year. In the article Dunn describes how his commitment to his sport has given him the opportunity to represent Team Canada at international level for seniors. He told The Montreal Gazette that he was a naturally competitive person who hates to lose. “Whatever I do, I want to do the best of my ability”. The article described the colorful life of Jack Dunn who had built a successful business, Classique Alouette. Dunn told the reporter about his exhausting weekly schedule. “I work out every day for 30 minutes, play hockey three times a week, and go to the gym once a week and I have a personal trainer”. He added, “You have to stay active at my age. You see it right away with guys who are not”.
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Ex-stockman rounds up art accolades at 84
5th December 2006
By Rosalie Higston
The Australian profiled artist Paddy Bedford who had just opened a major exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Paddy Bedford’s life story is both rich and colorful. A former stockman in the Kimberley region, Bedford only commenced painting for the first time in his 70’s. The learning curve has been a rapid one. His work has quickly become recognized as creative and important. Paddy Bedford has been commissioned to create work for the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. Bedford remains productive despite being partially deaf and confined to a wheelchair as a result of a riding accident many years ago. Paddy Bedford combines traditional and modern techniques, and often uses ochre for additional impact. Paddy Bedford also known by his tribal name of Nyunkuny found that painting was a way of communicating his life experiences together with those of his family. “That’s why I come to painting, for their stories”.
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Portsmouth native enjoying success in his 70s
9th October 2006
By Ryan O’Leary
The Portsmouth Herald reported on a remarkable and energetic 74-year-old. Fred Locke maintains a busy schedule of activities including skiing, running and swimming. Locke contemplated his busy lifestyle. “You try to do what you’re good at in life”. Fred Locke emphasized the importance of enjoying life. Locke has enjoyed a productive life with a history of work in the postal and customs service. In order to maintain his physical fitness Fred Locke works out every day. When he is approaching a competition event he often needs to increase his training to achieve a good performance. Recently Fred Locke was a participant in the Washington State Senior Games and broke a record on the 500-yard freestyle swim.
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80-year-old receives high school diploma
6th September 2006
By Stephanie Thompson
A delightful story in The Green River Star described how a former Green River resident was awarded a high school diploma. Don C. Jensen was drafted into World War II just before graduating from his senior year. Jensen served for 26 months. He returned to the USA, married and worked as a driver in a gravel plant for 44 years. In later years, Don C. Jensen entered politics and served as the mayor of Harrisburg City Council for six years. Jensen had lived an eventful life but had never received his high school diploma. This all changed recently when a bill passed by the Wyoming Legislature allowed a diploma to be issued. Jensen’s family made a successful application for Don’s diploma. On August 15th, Don C. Jensen visited Green River and was surprised and delighted to receive his high school diploma in recognition of his years of military and community service. Jensen told the reporter “It was a dream come true”. The award was made the day Don C. Jensen and his wife, Margie, celebrated 56 years of married life.
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Seniors limber up with exercise classes
23rd July 2006
By Lillian Cox
An informative and thought-provoking article in The Union Tribune highlighted the many benefits of regular exercise to seniors. The writer points out that many seniors are able to improve their cardiovascular function and minimize the impacts of many illnesses by a program of exercise. The story describes the activities of an exercise group in the city of San Marcos. The reporter spoke to Georganne Woodward who has been involved in these seniors groups for over 20 years. She commented on the enthusiastic participation and the benefits of involvement in seniors exercise groups. “Seniors are able to grasp things fast and realize that they need exercise for both physical and mental well-being. They also benefit from the socialization since so many of them go home to an empty house”. Many of those involved in the San Marcos group had noted an improvement in their health despite having health problems like hypertension, arthritis and strokes.
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Hope to die before you get old? Think again
13th June 2006
By Scott Deveau
This intriguing article described the results of some recent research by The University of Michigan. The report by The University of Michigan studied happiness at different stages of life. The results make interesting reading. Dr. Lacey, the author of the study in June 2006 issue of The Journal of Happiness Studies concluded that people are generally happier with their lives the older they get. Most people believe the opposite to be true. Dr. Lacey told The Globe and Mail that the results may be due to changes in personal goals and expectations. “As we get older, we seem to recognize that life is only going to go on so much longer, time is starting to run short, and so we start to shift our goals more to social relationships, and things that make us happy. We stop worrying about achieving, and start thinking about enjoying”. Dr. Lacey added “I feel like it’s good news, because while we may be getting it all wrong, if we can only convince people that there are a lot of good times ahead, it might make getting older a lot less scary”.
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Granny’s grit inspires grads
10th June 2006
By Bill Duhart
This lovely story reported on a senior who has completed some unfinished business. 72-year-old Nettie Pugh, of Camden has finally completed a program to get her high school diploma. Nettie has become an inspirational figure to her fellow graduates. Pugh told the reporter “I did it mostly to make me feel good when I’m in public, so I don’t feel belittled and I’m able to look someone in the eye and know what I’m talking about”. Nettie Pugh originally dropped out of school many years ago. She found work and got married. Nettie Pugh worked as a seamstress until about 13 years ago. One of her children suggested the idea of completing her schooling after she retired. Nettie Pugh agreed and enrolled in the challenging adult education program. Now Pugh has finished and is proud of her efforts. Her classmates are uplifted by Nettie’s efforts. Vincent Martin, aged 43, told The Courier Post “She’s a great inspiration and a nice person”.
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Dot exports a wicked wit and big hand
19th May 2006
By Kirsty Needham and Allan Hall
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on a remarkable and unlikely sports star. Dorothy de Low, a 95-year-old grandmother from Sydney has competed in an international table tennis championship in Germany. Dorothy de Low who has played for 40 years, was the oldest competitor in the World Veteran championships in Bremen. Dorothy has become a worldwide celebrity as a result of her efforts. Dorothy’s son told the reporter about his mother’s passion for competition. “She has always been one to absolutely persevere and not to be dissuaded from things”. In addition to her participation in sports competition, Dorothy is also active in volunteer work in the community.
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Age no barrier to career change
20th April 2006
This delightful article in The Northern Star reported on the graduation of Southern Cross University’s oldest Law student. Tony Bennett, of Goonellabah, is 70-years-old. Bennett told the reporters about the advantages of hiring mature age workers. “They have a great deal of life experience and maturity which makes them more reliable and committed to the job”. Tony Bennett also described his experience of learning with students who were decades younger than himself. “It was a real lifestyle change, sitting in a class of students all young enough to be my grandchildren”. One of Bennett’s biggest hurdles was learning computer skills but he persisted and completed his studies. Tony Bennett hopes to find a traineeship in conveyancing.
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Granny inspires kids to stay out of trouble
12th April 2006
A grandmother who has worked hard over the last three years to care for children on a disadvantaged estate has received a special award for her efforts to serve the community. Kathleen Fitzgerald, from Islington received her award at a ceremony in Westminster. A humble Kathleen Fitzgerald told the reporter from The Gazette about her work for the community. “Most of these kids have had a really tough life and a lot of them just want your time”. The Islington Gazette article describes a remarkable incident when Kathleen Fitzgerald managed to achieve the return of a large amount of stolen property without the need to involve the police. Her actions have brought a consider amount of admiration in the local community. Kathleen organizes weekend groups of children to clean up the local area and participate in community events. Fitzgerald said “It’s all about preventing anti-social behaviour and giving these kids a chance for the future”.
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Seniors shift work force
13th March 2006
By Ben Penserga
In recent years, seniors have often led increasingly active lives. Senior citizens sometimes choose to remain in the workforce longer or become involved in voluntary activities. This interesting article describes the impact of population changes and an ageing population in Maryland. The article introduces 80-year-old Emilyne Couch who has chosen to maintain an active lifestyle despite her age. Emilyne decided some time ago to become involved in voluntary work in her area. Eventually, Emilyne Couch found a role as a health insurance program counselor with an elderly advocacy group. She advises other retirees on health insurance policy issues. Emilyne finds the role rewarding and earns a small income that adds to her Social Security checks. She has also discovered that her job is both flexible and enjoyable. Emilyne Couch told the reporter from the Delmarva Daily Times that “I help a lot of people here”. B. J. Corbin from Lower Shore Workforce Alliance told the reporter “I think soon you’re going to see more situations where you’ll see two part-time seniors doing part-time work to fill one full-time position”.
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80 year old Local Lady Still Dancing
28th January 2006
By Luke Smith
This article introduces energetic 80-year-old Christine Mell from Stocksbridge. The story tells us about the active life of this inspiring lady. Christine is an enthusiastic dancer and enjoys going for long walks in the countryside each week. Christine Mell requires lots of energy to keep up with her three children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She has lived in her current house for 54 years. Christine was recently featured on TV in a story about older people enjoying recreational activities. An accident has not dulled her enthusiasm for an active life. Christine told the reporter “I fell off a stile but it’s not put me off walking. I’ll be out again next week”.
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Man fulfills skydiving dream on 90th birthday
27th January 2006
By Laurie Rathbun
This delightful story introduces senior citizen Ken “Pop” Scott who recently achieved a long-held ambition to experience skydiving. Recently Scott, from Glendale, celebrated his 90th birthday by jumping from a small plane at 13000 feet over Lake Elsinore. Ken Scott is a retired pharmaceutical salesman who leads a highly active lifestyle. He works energetically for the local church, assists children with reading, helps at a hospice and works with Habitat for Humanity. A large number of friends and relatives were present to witness the event. At the completion of his tandem jump, Ken “Pop” Scott reflected on his achievement “There was nothing to it. I’d do it again”.
