Noreen says “Farewell,” C.J. Says “Hello” to Seniors in Action

By Noreen Santaluce & C.J.

So Long, It’s Been Good To Know You

Having reached the age of 93, I have decided to slow down somewhat and let some things go. When I met C.J., I felt that she was the perfect person to take over my column “Seniors in Action” that I started 10 years ago. Thankfully, she agreed with me, and she will be taking over in January.

I know that C.J. will bring fresh views and many new contacts to the column, and I shall be reading it each month with great interest. I have thoroughly enjoyed the many interesting seniors that I have met and the entertaining events I have attended while writing the column.

I am now enjoying the development of The Nineties Club that I started two years ago. It is going strong and adding new members as we discover the large number of men and women in this area who are active in their nineties, even two members who are now 100 years old.

I feel that the lesson to be learned from our group is that a person’s retirement years can last for 30 or more years. So, be thinking ahead about how you want to enjoy those years. Perhaps, a new career, learning a new skill, traveling, volunteering, meeting new people. Just don’t waste them in thinking that you are too old to try any thing new.

Sincerely, Noreen

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and Hello…

Seniors in Action has been the perfect acknowledgement and affirmation of both positive aging and the evolution of life’s unlimited potential. Noreen, a sterling example of action living, is outrageously busy with the successful and dynamic group The 90’s Club, so she has offered to coach me to continue to this uplifting column beginning in 2015.

I’m “C.J.” and I’m fascinated by the research of aging well. Mortality tables now extend to 120 years leaving the experts wondering what to call those of us living our autumn and winter years… senior, elder, older adults? If they’d been reading Noreen’s column the description “Action Heroes” wouldn’t be much of a stretch.

Last week I had the curious privilege of being interviewed by my grandson Sam for his history class. A cause for pause to be sure. Reflecting revealed that I had spent the better part of my teen years going via train to the New York World’s Fair, instead of high school, a half century ago. My mind beckons; do I dare tell him of my mischief and adventures? Might it be time to curb my enthusiasm? Well, I’ve been reading the columns and mischief and curiosity seem to be two important ingredients of a pleasurable life so why not share them? Teenagers today are more likely to accompany their “Grands” to marathons or assist them with a start up of an entrepreneurial dream than to deliver a care package of food a la Red Riding Hood!

Please don’t curb your enthusiasm! Let me know what you’re doing and let’s celebrate and be menacing mentors believing in every day miracles. Our Grands are watching. Being a role model has never been more exciting — the future is now!

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The next World’s Fair begins May 1, 2015 in Milan, Italy — care to join me? Check out my blog for more information. AgingMischief.com