Guest article by Linda Schmidt
A nonagenarian is a person who is 90 to 99 years old. Have you considered what would it be like if you lived to be 90? What changes will have taken place since you were a child?
Nationally, the average age of an assisted living resident is about 85 with an average stay of about 22 months. Our residents’ average age is 87.5 and they live with us for about 40 months. Currently, we have 33 nonagenarian residents. Below, five shared their childhood memories and advice.
Emma Allen, 91
What is your secret to a long life?
“Being active, getting enough sleep, and eating properly. Interacting with other people is essential!”
What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
“Being a productive member of my family working in the gardens. I loved to pick strawberries and just dig in the ground. Having a purpose and seeing results was very worthwhile.”
What made you decide to move [here in an assisted living community]?
“I needed assistance and I wanted to be closer to my daughter. The fellowship here with other residents is another reason.”
Advice to the younger generation.
“Learn to feel that you are part of a bigger picture and doing your part will benefit all those involved.”
Lorraine Preboske, 99
What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
“I loved walking and exercising,” Lorraine shares with a smile. “Going on picnics with my family in an old touring car that had plastic windows. I enjoy the company, companionship and socializing [here].”
Advice to the younger generation.
“The younger generation needs to respect their elders.”
Philip Sheil, 93
What is your secret to a long life?
“Of course good genes are part of living to be 90. I believe in playing it down the middle, not having liberal or conservative opinions.”
What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
“I loved growing up on a farm and playing basketball.”
What made you decide to move [here in an assisted living community]?
“I listened to my kids about moving [here] and they were right”
Advice to the younger generation.
“I wish we could bring the country back to what it was when I was young.”
Lorraine Plautz, 93
What is your secret to a long life?
“Just good living is what gave me the long life.”
What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
“I loved to go skating and tobogganing in the winter and in the summer roller skating to visit my friends on the other side of town.”
Tell me some differences you notice between the way things were back then, and the way they are now in the world.
“Things are really bad now with the shooting in South Carolina – anyone can have a gun. When I was a child I didn’t have everything like the children have now.”
Advice to the younger generation.
“My advice is to stick with a church. I taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. I still sing here and everyone is so friendly.”
S. Anita Hirt, 91
What is your secret to a long life?
“Living healthfully, being active, having good friends and don’t worry or fret the little things.”
What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
“My childhood was wonderful having eleven of us playing and working together.”
Tell me some differences you notice between the way things were back then, and the way they are now in the world.
“The differences? My oh my that’s a lot! Life was more restrictive when I grew up. The culture is different now with so much freedom.”
Advice to the younger generation.
“Be patient with life. Don’t get upset with something you can’t change, take life as it comes. Don’t let others disrupt your life. Life is what you make it. Young people are overly controlled by peer pressure…want to fit in. When you’re older, friendships and relationships are more important.”
There you have it. Recollections of experiences from five nonagenarians who reflect on life and even share wisdom with the younger generations–us!
Linda Schmidt is Director of Marketing/Admissions at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living, a sponsored ministry of the Holy Cross Sisters, providing living opportunities for the elderly since 1990. Their oldest resident is Charlotte Strehlow who has lived there for five years and celebrated her 107th birthday last month.
(Abridged and formatted. TCV Ed.)
