Primetime Views: “What does the phrase ‘young at heart’ mean to you”
Here’s what they had to say:
Rudolph Alfano, 80, Willowbrook “To think young and be positive each and every single day. That’s why I think I’m 16 years old because I act like a kid sometimes. I stay young at heart by getting up early in the morning and going on my walk, going to bed early, eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily, working on a project each day and helping others.”
Ken Altamore, 63, Elk Grove Village “To me, I define ‘young at heart’ as living on your own terms and trying new things. Love what you do and do what you love.”
Dr. John A. Bartel, 70, Arlington Heights “I think it is used to describe someone that hasn’t stopped keeping up with the changes that are always taking place in life. When a person stops welcoming change, learning new things and having fun, he or she is no longer ‘young at heart.'”
Maria Bucher, 73, Addison “Being ‘young at heart’ means to me that I don’t think about age; I just keep doing what I enjoy. Remember to tell the person in the mirror how much you love her (or him.)”
William Danford, 91, Elmhurst “It means having a wonderful nature that is attractive at all times.”
Bonnie Daniello, 67, Addison “It means to always look at the positive things in your life.Think positive and smile. A smile is something to give away at no cost. Someone once said, ‘Enjoy life because this is not a dress rehearsal.’ “
Lisa Dekter, 76, Addison “You realize that age is insignificant. To be ‘young at heart’ is to love life, wake up every day and enjoy that day as a gift.”
Sister Theresa Langfield, 73, Wheaton “‘Young at heart’ is a way of life that is active, hope-filled, giving and unburdened by regrets. It involves loving, living life to the full and facing all that life presents, returning only blessing. One who is young at heart lives in the now and has a grateful heart no matter what has gone before.”
Sister Maggie Ryan, 92, Wheaton “To be ‘young at heart’ is to be fully engaged in life being interested, alert and using all the gifts God has given me each day of my life. I am optimistic, full of joy and caring for others no matter what is happening to me because of my chronological age. My great joy is in giving, doing for others and taking in as many new experiences as I am able.”
George Redeihs, 79, Burr Ridge “Not going through life realizing your age. You are as old as you feel. My wife Georgetta and I still work and I don’t want to retire. I probably don’t feel any differently today than I did when I was 65. We travel and I still snow ski with my grandkids.”
Elizabeth Scarimbolo, 72, Addison “It means thinking young and not letting age bother you. Some people are very hung up on numbers like being 40, 50 or 60 but that takes all the fun out of life. Our bodies may be getting older but our minds and our hearts should remain young.”
Mary Stuhr, 73, Addison “You must take Vitamin F. Vitamin F stands for friends. I have friends that enjoy talking politics, eating at restaurants, traveling, playing cards, volunteering at church and for the community and socializing. I have friends who are caring and compassionate. Friends are good for our health.”
