Before departing to Ikaria, each member of the travel team interviewed an older adult in their community. Knowing that Ikaria is home to some of the oldest individuals in the world, we wanted to learn from some older adults close to home about their experiences growing up, their lifestyle, and any wisdom to living a long life.
- Jean Akers, Warren County
- Naomi Bechtold, Marion County
- Meagan Brothers, Gibson County
- Jennifer Cannon, Putnam County
- Molly Hoag, Wells County
- Jane Horner, Cass County
- Kelsie Muller, Benton County
- Demarcus Sneed, Madison County
- Stephanie Woodcox, Campus Specialist
- Christina Swathwood, Campus Specialist
Maria del Rosario, 100
Interviewed by Naomi Bechtold
Maria del Rosario Lopez de Serra was born in the northern Spain region of Asturias in 1916. At the age of eight years old her family moved to Buenos Aires. In Argentina they were discriminated against, they were called “Gallegos,” a derogatory term for someone from Spain. She had a humble childhood; her father was a carpenter, her mother a seamstress. Rosario was very good in school and she loved to dance. She was married at 22 and over time had two children, a daughter and a son. Rosario has been widow for 31 years. In 2014 she decided to move permanently to Hamilton County, Indiana to live with her daughter for better access to health care.
Rosario has always eaten a healthy diet: meat, potatoes, lots of fruits and vegetables. She never smoked and never drank a lot of alcohol. She drinks a lot of mate, an herb from Argentina similar to tea. It has caffeine but is also an antioxidant. She drinks 6-7 cups/day out of a gourde without sugar or milk.
Her quality of life greatly improved two years ago when she embraced the project of making clothes for orphan children in Africa. In the time-period since she has made over 800 outfits for girls and boys; her goal is to sew 1,000 clothing pieces. Prior to this project Rosario thought her mission in her world was already accomplished and that she ‘occupied a place on this earth that she didn’t deserve.’ Now she sews every single day, sometimes up to six hours. She loves to go out, attend concerts, and shop.
Rosario believes that part of what has allowed her to live as long as she has is because she is always thinking about the future, her continuing desire to learn, as well as having the motivation to do things to help others. She loves to read; she has read thousands of books. Now she wants to learn English. The most important words for her are love, mother and friendship.
Her father died at 51 years of an accident, her mom died at 86. She still has one sister alive who is 91 years old. When asked how technology has changed over her lifetime her response was ‘incredible!’ When she was growing up in Asturias they didn’t have electricity or running water. They had to go to the well to get water and now at 100 years of age she has two computers. She feels the advancement of technology has hindered ethics. Maria feels sorry because the way she’s leaving the world for her grandchildren is not the way she wishes; she would love to have a friendlier world. She’s always informed about what is going on in Argentina; she reads two newspapers a day from Argentina on her IPad.
Rosario considers herself a ‘citizen of the world’. Her advice to her great grandchildren: to be good people, cultivate friendships and try to learn something new every day. The one tip she would pass on to others to live as healthy a life as she has: To work and take care of themselves. Work is very, very important. Don’t exceed in drinking and do not smoke. Have a healthy life!
Coda: Sadly, Maria del Rosario passed away on February 8, 2017.
Rose, 100
Interviewed by Jane Horner
Rose celebrated her 100th birthday in December 2016. She was born in Canada and immigrated to Cass County, Indiana when she was 4 years old and it is here she has lived the remainder of her life.
Rose lives independently in an apartment complex on the east side of town. Her apartment has a large front window so she is able to look out to a grassy wooded area. She says she loves watching the changing seasons from her window. She has a woman who comes and helps her every two weeks. She has 3 grown children, 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren that support her and offer assistance when needed. Her family is very important to her. She stated that without her family in her life she would not want to live. Family has always played an important role in her life.
Rose has always been active both physically and socially. After retiring from the bank she joined a group of women who golfed weekly when the weather was nice and then bowled weekly during the winter. She participated in this until just a few years ago. When the weather is nice outside, she is able to use a walker and take walks around the apartment complex.
I truly loved the time I spent with Rose. If you met her, you would think she was in her eighties. She is very attune to the world around her. She doesn’t move as quickly and it may take a little longer for her to collect her thoughts but she is still very lively. I noticed how Rose’s lifestyle is similar to others who live in the Blue Zones. Family is very important, she is socially and physically active, and she has a positive outlook on life. I was blessed to spend time with Rose and learn more about her life.
Edward, 96
Interviewed by Molly Hoag
Husband, father, singer, mechanical engineer, B29 flight engineer, world traveler, book lover, and community volunteer. Each of these roles define Ed from Northeast Indiana. World War II shaped his life as a young man. Ed served as a B52 flight engineer with a crew of 11 other men. His career as a mechanical engineer helped to support his wife and four daughters. Ed has many hobbies that include singing, reading, traveling, and being an active member of the community.
Ed has a very positive outlook on life. He told me how he has enjoyed his life, all of it! He shared that every phase in life has its challenges but he has always enjoyed his life. When I asked him if he had any advice he would like to share regarding life, he responded with “Enjoy Life!”
I found it interesting to learn his family lived with 4 generations in the same home. His great grandparents, grandparents, parents and siblings all lived under the same roof until his great grandparents and grandparents passed away. When I asked him about longevity, he responded by sharing his parents both died at the young age of 68. However, he had several other family members who lived into their 90’s.
His volunteer work in the community stood out to me as one of the key components of his purpose in life. When I asked him what his purpose in life was, he didn’t have an answer beyond just getting as many years as he can. However, his interview proved to me that he takes great pride in serving his community through volunteering. He stressed the importance of staying active and involved in the community. In Ed’s words, “Don’t become a turtle and pull your head in. Don’t just exist. LIVE to the fullest! AMEN!”
He didn’t receive any profound advice from others; however, he shared his own advice with me. He told me to enjoy my work and enjoy life to the fullest. Get out into the community! Remain active. Don’t let yourself become a turtle. Don’t isolate yourself! Enjoy all your associations. Just be a part of the community.
With utmost respect for Ed, I plan to make the most of this cultural immersion trip! I refuse to be a turtle. I will make this trip memorable and take his advice to “Enjoy Life!”
Martin, 94
Interviewed by Meagan Brothers
I was able to meet with Martin, age 94, on a sunny day in January at his current place of residence in Tell City, Indiana. We met after lunch and were joined by a friend of Martin’s who also lives nearby and my mother. Martin has a wonderful attitude toward life. Up until he fell in his driveway last summer, he was very active in doing yard work outside, keeping his two-story home clean, and driving around town. Although he did not share as many stories during the interview, he has a fantastic memory for people, places, and things. Martin lost his wife, Leona, about five years ago. They were a social couple and loved visiting family and friends. Some of that enthusiasm was lost after his wife’s death, but Martin continues to love having visitors.
Martin grew up in Perry County, located in the hilly Southern Indiana area along the Ohio River. He had a difficult time describing his home, which I think was due to the fact that he has always lived there and doesn’t know anything different. He has traveled some, but not enough to have much context to compare to. His childhood home is a gorgeous but simple farm in the countryside of the Ohio River valley. As a child on a farm, he was raised with what they could grow or make themselves. Even though his family was not wealthy, Martin did not identify himself as “poor.” Martin served his country as a trainer for pilots in the US Air Forces during World War II, but he is very humble about the contributions he made.
I had a wonderful time interviewing Martin. I feel like I learned more about how he has been able to live such a rich, full life for so long. He struggled to answer some of the questions I asked him because he does not see anything extraordinary or special about how he has lived – it was just what he did to make ends meet, raise his family, and be a good Catholic. He is not someone who brags about his achievements, but you can see the pride in his eyes and his expression.
Marjorie, 91
Interviewed by Jennifer Cannon
“Read whenever you can. You will be amazed at how much it affects your life and your future.”
-Majorie
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Marjorie. Speaking with her was very interesting and insightful. She began to tell me about her childhood, memories of her life, and cherished times with her family/friends. She shared how growing up in a small farm town shaped her into the person she is today. As she talked about growing up on a farm, she mentioned eating a lot of beef, and pork. However, I find interesting today in her adult life she no longer eats beef or pork, and now consumes a diet of primarily fruits, vegetables, and occasionally chicken.
Another interesting component of my interview with Marjorie was her enthusiastic personality. As she shared stories and answered interview questions, it was her passion for what she talked about that stood out. For instance, when speaking about her travel experiences, her focus has shifted from the destination of travel to creating memories while traveling. She told stories how friends helped her while traveling, how people encouraged her to travel, and how the sites she visited captured the friendships she has with many individuals. Her friend’s daughter helps her download pictures, and post them to the “computer thing for the grandkids” also known as Facebook. She mentioned she is not good with technology, and will use it only if she has too.
Throughout the interview, she discussed being close with her family and how this closeness generated her interest in giving back to the community. Currently, Marjorie volunteers at the Putnam County Library, church activities, and is involved in many Putnam County coalitions. She mentioned how volunteering has become a part of her life and social club. Spending time with friends through activities like walking and playing cards has become top priority for Marjorie.
I was very happy to hear her speak of the importance of social connections as part of healthy aging. We also see the concept of social connections practiced in various Blue Zone areas. Personally, I think social connections and relationship building are an important building block to a healthy lifestyle for anyone at any age.
Overall, I appreciated her time to participate in the interview and share memories of her life with me. Seeing her face light up as we spoke, and hearing the expression in her voice was very insightful. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.
Alberta, 98
Interviewed by Demarcus Sneed
For my interview with an elderly person/centenarian, I interviewed Alberta, a 98-year-old woman who lives in East Central Indiana. I was introduced to Alberta through one of the secretaries at the Madison County Extension office whom is Alberta’s granddaughter. During the time I spent with Alberta, I learned a lot of interesting things.
I learned that her family played a huge part in her life and she lived in a tight knit community when she was growing up. She said her family and neighbors always shared meals at each other’s homes and one time when her father lost his job, some neighbors whom had moved allowed her family to stay in their old home rent free. They were also very welcoming and kind to strangers. She told me of some instances when they even invited homeless people into their home to share a meal, something she said she wouldn’t dare do today. One other interesting thing that I learned about Alberta was that she lived an active lifestyle and had a strong sense of purpose. Up until a couple of years ago she was still driving, doing her own grocery shopping, involved in the church, and did lots of walking throughout her life. I believe all of those things have played a role in her longevity.
Samuel, 98
Interviewed by Kelsie Muller
A retired educator, Sam, moved to Lafayette in 1949 after receiving his PhD. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam. His enthusiasm for life is contagious. Sam describes his current quality of life as “incredible”.
A farm boy from a hilltop in West Virginia, he can harness a team of horses and plow with a team. Their family grew everything they ate only needing sugar and salt from the store. His mother worked continuously day and night to provide them with food and clothing. His father worked for an oil field. His father rode a horse to work at first, then later he bought a Ford truck. When Sam was 12 he would drive his father to work then go on to the high school then when school was over go back and pick his father up and return home.
When asked about his diet, Sam shares about his daily diet. He eats a large breakfast that he prepares himself, fixes a bowl of fruit with pears, grapes, blueberries, bananas and a yogurt cup. When I asked him about lunch, Sam shares that he doesn’t eat lunch. When I asked “why?” Sam said “I don’t have time”. This is a reflection of his attitude about life, that there isn’t enough hours in the day.
When it came to authority or elders he assumed that they had authority, there was never any resistance to what made good sense. Elderly people look at youth today and tend to see what’s wrong, the fact is Sam says, “They live in a world we created”.
As a teacher he has programmed exercise into his life. For example this morning he told me he had done 20 toe touches, lift 10 lb. weights with arm exercises, high knee lifts, squats, and heel raises. Last 12 years he has led a nature walk every Tuesday morning from March- November.
Sam speaks of his wife and credits her for all of their social activities. He said she had culture and took care of all their social activities. They did a lot of traveling together. He has 12 great grandchildren and usually calls his grandchildren on their birthdays and sings “Happy Birthday” to them.
Sam and I discussed our views on technology. The first type of new technology that Sam remembers his family getting was a radio when he was about 16. Since then Sam has become an avid photographer most of his life and so he recalls when he got his first digital camera. At first he was going to take it back, but then he decided he should at least try to learn how to use it.
Sam feels his purpose in life is to do good. He believes life is about being useful to more than yourself. Sam suggests having a consistent exercise program and doing it and choose good people to live with.
As a kid Sam spent hours out in the woods just observing ants. He says all living things have two characteristics, “we all have an energy flow system that has to be replenished and a reproduction system. If you understand that you begin to have a respect for other things just like you.”
Lillian, 94
Interviewed by Jean Akers
Lillian is a spunky 94 years young. Born in 1922, she now resides in rural Warren County. Lillian would like to do more, although she feels that she does well for her 94 years. She keeps busy taking care of her two-story home, active in her church, goes out socially with friends. If her son asks her to go and do something, she drops what she is doing and goes, no questions asked.
She grew up in Westfield, Illinois where everyone knew everyone. Her parents were first generation from Europe, speaking their native language. She spoke German and Polish until she went to school; in school encouraged to speak English only. One of six children, Lillian was the youngest and felt she had it the easiest.
She worked in the bank and loved it there. She walked everywhere because there was no other transportation in town, walking two or more miles a day. When Lillian married, she moved to the country and raised two children.
Family, friends, church and political party are important to her and continue to this day. She doesn’t get to see her daughter as much because of distance and schedules and she is no longer able to drive to Indianapolis, driving there until she was 92.
Technology is a mystery she wishes she knew more about; GPS, Smartphones and being able to talk on your phone through the vehicle. JFK’s assassination affected her the most of any historical event. WWII impacted her as well, knowing young men and not realizing what all they went through.
Lillian feels her purpose in life is “to take the best care of my family that I can and be the best person I can be.” The best advice she was given was “to thine own self be true”. To live a longer and healthier, Lillian said to do the best you can do with what you have.
Alice, 94
Interviewed by Stephanie Woodcox
This is Alice. She’s a creative, thoughtful, active and witty 94-year old living (independently) in Indianapolis. Alice invited me to her home for our interview, in which she shared some memories from childhood; experiences as she transitioned into an adult, wife and mother; lessons learned from a long life; and advice to increase the quality years of life.
Growing up in a small Hoosier town, Alice lived with her parents and had 5 sisters. She admits they were poor. As a child, she recalls eating beans most every day of the week, with a special meal on Sunday being fried chicken. Her one chore was to wash out the jars her mother used for canning. Alice and her friend would walk to and from school each day; her parents didn’t know how to drive. She recalled the jerky experience of learning how to drive stick-shift, but proudly said she got her license on the first try! She was fortunate after high school, with the help of her 6th grade teacher, to get a well-paying job in a government office. Alice was married for 68 years and happily showed me pictures of her and her husband and two children. While married for many decades, she will also tell you she is still on the lookout for companionship. Case and point: she got distracted during our interview by the cute maintenance guy who was there to help with a frozen pipe! She just giggled and said it’s nice when people stop by. She creates beautiful oil paintings every so often, as she says, just to see if she can still do it. Alice volunteers at the community wellness center every Wednesday and participates in exercise classes weekly. She does her own grocery shopping and cooking/baking. One of her favorite things to do is socialize with others and make sure that everyone has someone who cares about them.
I told Alice about our upcoming trip and what we hoped to learn. I shared some aspects of the lifestyle of Ikarians that we would experience and how they differ from that of many Americans. She smirked when I spoke of their diet. Alice has a sweet tooth and proudly announced that no one makes better peanut butter balls than her. She did say she could benefit from a healthier diet and would like me to share some Greek recipes with her when we return. I told her I am eager to come back from Ikaria and share our adventures—and recipes—with her.
To what does Alice attribute her longevity? Eating beans. Having one sweet a day. Maintaining friendships. Most of all, caring for others.
Warren, 85
Interviewed by Christina Swathwood
Living a long, healthy and fulfilling life is something we all can aspire to and interviewing Warren proved how much this is true for him. I spent time with Warren and his wife Nancy discussing his childhood, people and moments that were most impactful in his life, and how his involvement in many things today are what keep him healthy and fulfilled.
When I ask him about nutrition in his life currently, he does say it’s a challenge when it is only him and his wife cooking for two, but they both strive to eat healthy meals. He said as a child, his mother was very good at ensuring the family had three-square balanced meals every day. He attributes how he eats today to his mother who earned a college degree in home economics.
I asked Warren questions about his childhood and growing up just outside of Indianapolis, eight miles from his current home. He was always a physically active child rarely ever having time to waste. With school studies and responsibilities for animals on the farm, he said he didn’t have to think about exercise because the day took care of itself. Even today, by keeping busy, not watching very much television, he keeps moving physically but also loves to read and learn to exercise his mind. He feels very strongly about this.
Although Warren is officially retired from the physical part of farming, he is still involved as a managing partner with his son-in-law. He also keeps busy with his church and in a mission in Africa. They have traveled there many times along with having traveled to many places in the world. For years, Warren successfully bought and sold real estate and people within the community still reach out to him today for advice. Warren also speaks excitedly and with pride about his involvement with his alma mater, Purdue University, and how he is engaged with the College of Agriculture and the President’s Council to help further the mission of the university.
In the book titled The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner, the importance of having purpose in life is one of the common themes from all five of the Blue Zone locations for longevity. After meeting and interviewing Warren, it is very clear he most certainly has purpose in life towards that longevity.