Many of us dream of living a long and healthy life. But who’s to say if we actually will. Is it genetics? Is it clean living? Is it just luck? According to the 2010 Census there were a little more than 830 centenarians in Arizona with the number on the rise as people are living longer. But why are they living longer?
These are questions the Center for Healthy Aging at the Banner Sun Health Research Center is answering. Led by Walter Nieri, MD, the Center for Healthy Aging in Sun City was established to explore the multiple factors contributing to healthy aging to enhance the quality of life for older adults. The center conducts applied science research, The Longevity Study: Learning from our Elders, led by Dr. Nieri and David Coon, PhD, professor of Psychology at Arizona State University. The study’s focus is on interviewing those 80+. It has more than 400 active participants.
On April 21 The Center for Healthy Aging celebrated 15 centenarians, including Holocaust survivor Abraham Meth, as they met each other for the first time. Study participants had a chance to speak face to face about their 100+ years on earth. They also met with volunteers who administer the surveys each year and were entertained by senior a cappella singing group, Lilac Crazies.
Born in Hungary in 1912, Abe has been a participant in the Longevity Study since 2012. His father was from Romania and his mother was from Poland. Married at age of 26, he celebrated 71 years of marriage and raised a son and a daughter before becoming a widower.
Despite his health conditions, Abe continues to push forward every day. He plays the violin, has written an opera as well as an orchestra piece that will be performed this summer. He volunteers at Temple Beth Shalom in Sun City and Beth El Congregation in Phoenix and often teaches Hebrew.
Abe’s main contributor to healthy life and longevity is the ability to live a “happy, industrious and very productive life” without wasting time. Leisure activities include reading the newspaper and keeping up with international events.
“I came to this country in 1948 after the war; there was no time for leisure time,” says Abe. “Coming here to America, I worked hard to be accepted – to produce something and to become useful to American society. I am still an active member of my Temple and I give lectures about the Holocaust at schools. I am a musician and I love playing in an orchestra. Music is my favorite pastime.”
