Ed, Isobel, Alfred, and Roz are independent spirits are four reasons why we respect The Greatest Generation. The four of them are featured in this six-minute inspirational video on positive aging from Bay Alarm Medical. Four elders in their late 70s to early 90s reflect upon risks taken (that would be unheard of, today) leading to amazing life journeys.
Ed Vining, age 91, wanted to return to New York after not seeing all of the 1939 World’s Fair. The following year, at age 15 he said he’ll ride his bike (from West Virginia) after Mom and Dad said they weren’t planning a return trip. They both said, “No.” Ed was determined that he wanted to go. So one morning… (you’ll have to watch the video).
Isobel Ericson, 84, talks about immigrating to Canada from Scotland at age 21.
Alfred Niedermann, age 84, lived in Switzerland when his uncle in Wisconsin visited and invited him to America. His mother said, “No.” He and his uncle planned his emigration from Switzerland, anyway. He worked as a butcher and paid $15 for room and board and an extra $1 for heat.
Roz Zinns, 78, pictured at the top made her own clothes when she was a child and then for her children before venturing into other artistic pursuits. She advises, “It’s important to follow your dreams. Because then you may look back and say, why didn’t I do that when I was younger? What I wish I knew then was to have confidence in myself. It took a long time to develop that.”
The one question I have after watching this video is what would three of the four of these elders have done had their children acted so boldly upon life-changing decisions.
Yet, the risks they took made them who they are today.
Click below to be inspired by Bay Alarm Medical’s Fresh Perspectives from Aging Faces video.
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