Going Strong at 107
Fredericksburg, Virginia's Larry "Curly" Haubner, who celebrated his 107th birthday in June, is in many ways healthier, fitter and stronger than most folks in their sixties. Let's take a closer look.
Whereas more than 70% of Americans 60 and older are either overweight or obese, Larry, standing at 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighs the same as when he enlisted in WWII -- 160 pounds. His blood pressure, blood sugar levels, kidney function, digestion and muscle tone are all "fine" according to his physician, Dr. Robert Prasse. How many seniors can make such a boast? And he takes no medications! The only pills he downs are his multivitamins and maybe some vitamin C and E tablets. In comparison, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) almost half of those 65 and better are on three or more prescription drugs. Remarkably, Larry never gets sick. How many adults of any age can say that?
Since genetics has been found to play only a small role in our overall well-being and longevity, Larry's secret to such robust health at his advanced age must lie in his lifestyle. Let's see what we might learn from this exceptional centenarian that we could apply in our own lives:
- Larry is big into exercise and a self-proclaimed "health nut." He keeps weights and other exercise equipment in his room which he uses daily to work out. Connie Miller, the Executive Director at Greenfield Senior Living (an assisted-living center) where Larry resides, is quoted as saying that she "can't tell you how many tennis balls he's worn out" from the bottom of his walker as he takes his daily walks. When Larry was younger, 102, he enjoyed cycling around Fredericksburg and was known by the townsfolk as the older man who rides his bike around town. In this light, when asked the secret to his strength and longevity he answers, "Exercise!" and expounds on how we should all get more exercise than we do ...
- Another pillar that has resulted in his continued excellent health is nutrition. Larry prefers a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables. In a Washington Post article covering Larry's 107th birthday bash, he's quoted as saying, "Well, I ate the cake, but I don't think cake is a good food."
- Probably just as important, if not more important than his devotion to daily exercise and good nutrition, is his attitude and mental approach to life. In this regard, Larry was described by one of the staffers at the center as "genuinely happy" and a "morale-boost for the staff." You can see his joy for life in his beaming smile in photos taken during his recent birthday parties. In one very telling photo he has an infectious grin on his face as he proudly shows off his biceps. See photo here. In order to stay so positive, Larry, like so many other centenarians, doesn't dwell on the negative. He could, for example, focus his thoughts on how lonely it is living in a world where you've outlived everyone you once knew. Larry never married and has no children or other relatives to visit him. In fact, he's not had a single visitor (other than a couple of newspaper journalists) in the five years he's been at Greenfield. Instead of wallowing in self pity because no one ever comes to visit, he chooses to appreciate the folks around him at Greenfield and bring joy to fellow residents and staff alike with his cheerful buoyant spirit. In summary, Larry chooses to exercise, eat well and focus his thoughts on what is pleasing to him.
No one can really know why one person lives to 107, strong and vital, while others succumb to one thing or another much earlier in life. One thing, however, is clear. No matter how old one gets, he or she can enjoy each day. With a good diet, some exercise and a positive attitude, maybe we can learn to live as well at our age as Larry "Curly" Haubner does at his.
Postscript: Larry may be strong and healthy, but his finances aren't in as good a shape; he's outlived his money supply. If you'd like to help Larry to stay at his Greenfield home with his new friends (his only family, if you will) by giving a donation (or you want to learn more about Larry) visit: www.SaveLarry.org
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