Longevity Interviews from across the Globe
Would you like to contribute to our Anthology of Inspiring Life Stories?
Words of wisdom around mindset from 92 year old Hiro at a recent interview in the Philipines, as you can see, he never sits still. This was just before we ventured off to visit some of his 1000 employees! ♥️🌎
We are seeking people to be included in an inspiring anthology of life stories that provide insights into how they enjoy the lifestyle of advancing years. We are keen for them to share with our readers an outline of a typical day, how it is structured, including such components as purpose, exercise, connection with others, dietary choices and rest.
We are going to publish this compilation of anecdotes, short memoir type contributions that relate meaning, purpose and mindset of a diverse group of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Fun, quirky accounts of people living full lives. We are keen to know about and to share their journeys as well as their current lifestyles and wisdom – what it is that make them and keeps them, so fabulous.
If this is something that interests you, or if you know someone who is over 90 years of age who would be interested in having their story included, please enter your details below and we will send a questionnaire to be considered for inclusion.
Thank you so very much.
We look forward to hearing from you, hearing and sharing your story!
Part of our longevity journey involves interviewing amazing people across the globe over 90 who are living well, mentally and physically. I met with the incredible 97 year old Jack Le Cras OAM living right here in Perth to find out some of his stories and secrets! There are most certainly more than a few. He was just 19 when he witnessed the signing of the document that ended WW2 and has been called an ‘RSL Living Treasure’, still instrumental in organising Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day services. The consummate organiser, he had Olympian moments in logistics, a distinguished career of over 45 years with the ABC, had the foresight to establish a music festival in Victoria in a disused mansion to raise literally ‘buckets’ of cash for the local Lions club in 1978.
During Covid when many people were bored, Jack was busy building display cabinets for the RSL in his shed. He also overcame his self proclaimed lack of gardening ability to establish 350 potted succulents to then expand to 5000 together with his daughter to raise money for his beloved Lions club.
Jack’s one true love Cath who he was married to for 69 years and 50 weeks, passed away 7 years ago. His face lights up when he tells me of how they met and how he found any excuse he could to visit her desk at the telegram phonogram office. He still reaches for her hand when he goes for his daily walks and is saddened when he asks a question and she’s not there to answer it.
Jack regularly enjoys their traditional early evening glass of red wine, has a great relationship with his family and many friends. He has had the same GP for many years, such a strong bond that when his wife was advised in hospital to stop drinking their daily glass upon returning home, he promptly called the hospital and asked for the nurse to be told off for imparting incorrect advice! Jack never smoked, was ‘not one for exercise – I don’t swim, run, ride bikes or horses, I use my car like it’s a bicycle and even drive to the shops’.
Jack eats a healthy diet of mostly salad for lunch and cooks meat and vegetables for dinner.
When I visited his home he had prepared roast lamb and vegetables as he was catering for the evening’s Lion’s club meeting. He told me he doesn’t eat much sugar, but then laughed as he admits he is partial to Tim Tams.
One thing he does is get out of the house every day, even when he doesn’t feel like it. He will go to the local shopping centre and walk around, making eye contact and talking to and connecting with other human beings. It’s this wonderful sense of connection, community, purpose and willingness to serve others that stands out as being a big part of Jack’s longevity journey.
That and his sage advice to “keep your brain going and everything else will follow’.
Jack has an incredible intellect, recounting dates and names and events in precise detail spanning across his life.
Jack is aiming to celebrate his 100th birthday, one reason is so that he can fulfil a request from his great grandson Tom who has asked him to take him to the pub on his 18th birthday soon after!
Thank you Jack – I look forward to writing more of your story for ‘Lessons from The Longevity Lab’. Melissa 