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Her mother, Ruby, was a “full-time parent” and prided herself on “running the house.” Maxine explained that farmers wife’s were routinely responsible for the day-to-day operations of the household. Her Southern Baptist faith was complements of her parents and minister grandfather. Maxine’s life is a faith-filled journey engulfed with multiple personal tragedies. The first tragedy struck Maxine in the fall of 1928. The relentless weather combined with the struggle to harvest the dwindling crops resulted in Joseph developing pneumonia. The pneumonia took Joseph’s life and Maxine’s father, when she was only two. Her father’s death forced this single parent family to relocate to the “city” to seek employment. In 1930, Ruby accepted employment with as a seamstress at a “shirt factory” in Wytheville, Virginia. During 1935, Ruby was transferred to Christiansburg, Virginia were she continued her seamstress career. Maxine graduated from high school in 1946. Shortly after graduation, Ruby married Benny Liverman and the family moved to Norfolk, Virginia. Maxine and Benny were always distant. Maxine went to work in the fledgling telephone industry with AT&T operator in 1950. While at AT&T she met, courted, and married Cecil Hunt. During this time Maxine became an active member of the faith community at Norview Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Maxine remains an active member to this day. Maxine has two children Lynn and Stephen. Stephen, a Naval aviator, died in a car accident during the fall of 1988. Maxine and Cecil built a financially secure life. They invested heavily in AT&T stock and owned multiple rental properties. Cecil died in 1993 from Parkinson’s Disease. Maxine married Deacon Curtis Killen, a widower and fellow church member in 1994. They continue active involvement with their religious community as it nears its seventy-fifth anniversary. During a series of interviews, we explored the following topics:  What is your definition of aging? Maxine thought this question was quite basic. However, after much thought she stated that aging is simply “advancing in age.” Upon further questioning she explained that her definition is a view of the “total process” of aging. She does not define aging in a biological, functional, psychological, sociologic or spiritual domain.  What are you key accomplishments (e.g., active in specific areas, social contributions, volunteer activities, and unique or adventurous activities)? Maxine explained that what she considers her “key” accomplishments are not actions which society typically views as dramatic. Her most notable accomplishment is “living to be seventy-two years old.” Once we acknowledged her age, she began to detail her almost “life long” connection with her church and subsequent Christian community. She stressed that she has been an active, almost lifelong member of this “Christian community” for the last fifty-four years. During a humorous moment she acknowledged that she has been involved with five different pastors since her initiating membership with the church.  What are your specific hobbies (i.e., gardening, computers, and travel)? In my opinion, Maxine is a model “healthy senior citizen” for numerous reasons. I am particularly impressed that, “about two years ago,” Maxine “felt the need to “keep up with society” so she began educating herself about computers. Maxine has taken two computer courses at the local community college. During the courses, Maxine spent hours, researching computer brands and features. Upon completion of the courses she purchased a home computer system. She actively utilizes the Internet and E-mail. When Maxine is not surfing the web she enjoys “reading fiction novels.” She specifically enjoys “romance” and “how-to” books.  What types (if any) of physical activities do you engage in? Why have you chosen these specific activities? Have you always done these same activities? Which ones did you do when you were younger and which ones will you do as age? Maxine is an avid walker. She walks about one and one half miles, five mornings a week. She explains that walking is her choice of exercise because it is the “most convenient” method of exercise. Walking has become a “morning ritual” for Maxine. Walking allows Maxine time to reflect. Maxine does not limit her exercise to walking; she enjoys bowling with her husband, one night a week. She explained that she is a member of her “church bowling league.” This enables Maxine nourish her body and soul at the same time. Maxine has always been active; however, she has not always “actively” pondered the need for formal exercise. For example, she may choose to walk after a large meal because she does not like the feeling of “being stuffed.”  Detail some myths that you know of pertaining to aging? Maxine stated that she does not know any age related “myths.” She acknowledged that eventhough she is not privy to “myths” she has her personal fears related to aging. As she began to advance in age she often thought that “old people slow down and can’t do anything.” Perhaps this is a contributing factor to her commitment to the exercise of the body, soul and mind.  How do you think society can change the attitudes and myths about aging? After much thought Maxine explained that “society treats old people different.” However, her thoughts did not dwell on traditional negative issues. She proceeded to site positive examples such as multiple “senior citizen discounts” and “handicapped accessible” buildings.  What is your favorite part of being a “senior citizen.”? Maxine often expressed that being a senior citizen is “great.” She stated that during her childhood she was often “embarrassed” when her mother “asked for senior discounts.” Now that she is a senior citizen, she “enjoys” taking advantage of these “earned” discounts. Maxine recalled her years spent raising her two children. She enthaustically exclaimed that the “golden years” are golden because “most of your bills are paid,” “your kids are raised,” and “you have limited responsibilities.”  What is your attitude pertaining to aging? Maxine said that her attitude about aging is positive. She stated that as a senior citizen “your comfort level changes.” When I questioned this said that she is “comfortable” as a senior citizen. Maxine explained that as a senior citizen she is able to “fully relax and do as you please.” She cited examples such as not having to conform to the schedule of a “working husband” or “children in school.”  Throughout your life, have you observed different attitudes and myths about aging portrayed by different racial, social or ethnic groups? We discussed this question at length and Maxine said she has not observed aging myths based on racial, social, religious, or ethnic specific attitudes. She said that she has observed racial discrimination between multiple races but not racial discrimination based on age.  What types of local, national or other organizations are you involved with (e.g., political, religious, educational)? How are you involved? Why have you chosen these particular organizations? Maxine is socially active. She is an active member of a Baptist church and Christian community. Within her church Maxine is a member of the “Budget and Personnel committees.” Maxine is the President of her local “Baptist Women on Missions” group. Maxine explained that her choice to spend her precious time with these groups is a natural progression from her involvement in her Christian community.  What are your eating habits? What foods or drinks do you think have contributed to your longevity? Maxine is proud of her diet and feels that “her good diet” is a contributing factor towards her continued “good health.” She explained that her diet is “balanced and low in fat.” I asked her for her diet secrets and she relayed the following menu to me: eight glasses’ of water per day, three servings of vegetables every day, two servings of fruit every day and fish one time per week.  Have you had to deal with any specific health issues, disabilities, or illnesses? What actions were successful in assisting you to overcome any barriers associated with these conditions? As I outlined, in Maxine’s history, her life is marred with significant personal loss. The sudden death of Maxine’s son was a traumatic event, which she has learned to cope with over the years. After her son’s death, she sunk into a depression and relied on professional and spiritual counseling to enable her to deal with the situation. She explained that the death of her first husband was almost “expected” and she was able to prepare for the event. Throughout these tragedies she relied heavily on her Christian community.  How has your cultural background and heritage affected your perception of aging? Maxine stated that she has “been blessed” with “good health” throughout her life. She accounts for this as “good genetics” and “a positive outlook on aging from her parents.”  Do you utilize any alternative medicine therapies (e.g., dietary supplements)? Which ones? How do you feel these contribute to your longevity? Maxine is a “strong believer” in vitamins; she takes one vitamin C, E, and D tablet every day. She feels that the “claims” are legitimate and contribute to her longevity and good health.  Are you a caregiver? If so, has then been a good or bad experience? Describe the stress surrounding this experience? Describe how you cope or learned to cope with this situation? Maxine was a caregiver to her mother as well as her first husband. Their circumstances and disease were different. However, she learned, grew and grieved each situation differently. Her mother developed a rapidly progressing “vascular disease” which took her life six months after diagnosis. During these six months, Maxine provided the daily cooking, cleaning, dressing, and bathing functions for her mother. Maxine was a caregiver to her first husband during his seven year struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. She recounted the various stages of the diseases. She was thankful that the diseases progressed slowly enough that she was able to “prepare as best she could” for the eventual reality. Maxine detailed the last month of Cecil’s life. She remembered her attempts to feed and bathe him.  Describe your social support structure (e.g., family, friends, and groups)? What is your ideal social support structure? How have your social support structures changed? Maxine described her social support network as two distinct yet intertwined entities. She has been an active member in the same “Christian family” for the past fifty-four years. Eventhough most of the faces have changed, the same core values remain in this community. She emphasized that the “church is a vital part of her life.” She described the second part of her social support network as her “immediate family.” She explained that her immediate family has changed from her first husband to her second husband. This change in husbands naturally involves a change in in-laws and other secondary family members. I asked Maxine to explain how these two different support networks are intertwined. She recounted the story of “meeting Curtis (her current husband) in a Sunday school class shortly after Cecil’s death.” This courtship and marriage is ultimate commitment to her “almost life long Christian community.” Maxine Killen represents a role model of a healthy senior. She was the only child of a simple blue-collar family. She has prevailed through tremendous personal tragedy. Her mother’ battle with vascular disease and her first husband’s, seven year battle with Alzheimer’s forced her to become a primary care giver. The death of her son forced her to learn to grieve and recover. Despite these devastating events, she maintains a healthy mind, body and soul. Maxine attributes her current good health and good attitude to her commitment to daily exercise, good diet, and prayer. Maxine further demonstrates her strength and commitment to “being the best she can be” through her desire to “keep up with society.” This is demonstrated through her eagerness to learn to use a computer and her utiilization of the Internet and E-mail. However, the common theme Maxine discussed during the interviews was her love and dedication to her “Christian family.” Her almost life long, loyal involvement, with her Church has given her membership in a Christian family. This Christian family fills a vital role in her life. This same Christian family gave her the opportunity to meet her current husband and best friend. I am grateful for the opportunity to conduct two separate interviews with Maxine. Her story is interesting and encouraging. As I progress towards my “golden years,” I hope that I will maintain a healthy body, mind and soul. This formula has obviously worked for Maxine. Bibliography: Word Count: 2128
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