Having heard one too many panel discussions and lectures lately about the downsides of the “ageing population,” I was delighted that a few upsides were mentioned at today’s Harvard conference on “Ageing + Place” — a refreshing and intriguing event presenting the latest research and design ideas related to ageing.
Meanwhile, John was on my wavelength again, sending me a link to a story about someone who seems to be ageing remarkably well and making a contribution to society while she’s at it.
Katie Honan of DNAInfo.com writes at BusinessInsider about a 100-year-old woman who is still teaching children in a Brooklyn elementary school.
“Three days a week, Madeline Scotto walks across the street from her home to St. Ephrem’s elementary school, where she was part of the first graduating class.
“She climbs the stairs to her classroom, where she works to prepare students for the math bee. She pores over photocopied worksheets with complicated problems, coaching kids on how to stay calm on stage while multiplying and dividing in their head.
“She’s just like any other teacher at the school — except for one thing: She’s 100 years old.
” ‘I think it just happens, you know. You don’t even realize it,’ said Scotto, who marked her birthday on Thursday.
” ‘Last year I thought, “This can’t be, that I’m going to be 100.” I sat down and did the math actually. I thought, I could not trust my mind. This I had to put paper to pencil — I couldn’t believe it myself. It just kind of happened. I guess I’m very lucky.’ ” More here.
Is there a person of any age who isn’t astonished when they think of how old they are? I think if you are 21 or 40 or 65, you are still going to say to yourself, “How did that happen?”
Photo: DNAInfo
Madeline Scotto is 100-years-old and still teaches students in Dyker Heights.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
It’s *wonderful* for kids to have an 100-year-old teacher. What better way for them to get a sense of how life extends on a goodly span, and you can live a meaningful, sharing life for all your years.
She says she was lucky, and perhaps as regards her health — physical and mental — she was lucky. But I suspect her own attitude is what has made it possible for her to keep contributing.
What a nice story–and I’m sure I would’ve missed it, if not for you! And, yes, I’m constantly aware of my age and thinking, “How did that happen?!”
After I commented that I thought her attitude had a lot to do with her being able to continue teaching so long, it occurred to me to credit the attitude of her employers, too — doubtless a long series of employers, because it is unlikely that they have all lasted in their roles as long as she has in hers. Here’s to employers who have open minds!
On Aging
My hands have become dappled things
as I make my way toward seventy;
of course, my own eyes barely notice.
If I mention an ache or pain to an age-mate,
I no longer expect commiseration but
a counter-list of medical complaints.
I know now why an islander older than I
wears eye-catching, brighter-than-nature
costumes and drives a mermaid-mobile.
I am grateful for white-haired wonders
whose optimism and sense of humor
illuminate life’s dark hallways.
Yesterday, for instance, I ran into
an admired music teacher
who retired only a year or so ago —
in his late eighties — and rebuilt his tiny
cottage that had burned to the ground,
tragedy enough to undo a man of half his years.
But there he was in the island post office,
having abandoned his decades-long mainland mailing address,
rushing toward a post office box filled with forwarded affection.
Wow, NWG, did you just happen to have this lovely thing handy? I would like to give credit to the author, the Internet being what it is. I’m going to attribute this meditation to the poet Nancy Greenaway. Hugs!
Thanks, C. Sending hugs right back.