Some Boomers say that they rarely watch television, because there is nothing on it but bad news, grandstanding politicians and trashy sit-coms. It’s true. There is a whole lot of nothing on TV, but occasionally you will find an uplifting program.
That was my good fortune one evening when I tuned in a public broadcasting channel, WHUT. Howard University Television recently aired the delightful program Over 90 and Loving It. The show profiles people in their 90s and 100s who are not just existing – they are living life to the fullest. Unless you are a discontented Boomer who hopelessly bemoans the fact that you are aging, you will applaud and adore the spunky seniors in the broadcast.
There is the charming couple, Arnell and Ernest Rogers, previously a widow and widower. Their lovely church wedding, where they married each other at ages 91 and 93, is one of the more touching scenes in the program.
While all of the stories are heartwarming, some are absolutely remarkable.
Ninety-year-old Pete Seeger is a folk singer and banjo player. Harry Rakoff, age 94, still drives a cab. Proving that you are never too old to learn, Nola Ochs became the oldest Fort Hays State University graduate at age 95. She then went on to earn her master’s degree at 98.
If you share my enthusiasm, you will give two thumbs up to Doris Haddock, who calls herself Granny D. She is a 100-year-old activist who walked cross country when she was 89 years young. And you will surely be impressed by 103 year old artist and author, Laura Simons. The centenarian published her autobiography “I Am Still Here” at the age of 100. When asked by a literary agent why anyone should read her book, she said “I’m a survivor . . . I have survived the battles of everyday living every day of my life.”
If you ever get an opportunity to see this broadcast, watch it. Pessimists and people who haven’t yet crossed the threshold into middle-age may briefly tune-in the program, see what they consider to be just some old people stories and quickly change the channel. But for optimists and those who enjoy programming that is uplifting rather than demoralizing, Over 90 will warm your heart.
And you may find yourself smiling ear-to-ear when viewing the lively piano duo Frances and Marlow Cowan. Married 62 years, they perform in nursing homes, hospitals and prisons. I like Marlow’s attitude. He says “Don’t let your age bother you . . . Don’t sit around worrying about your aches and pains. Just enjoy life.”