It might sound like an oxymoron, but there is life at 96 according to this elderly gentleman.
He finds joy in the small things: watching young children, dogs, and people going about their business without resenting his perspective on the sidelines. He would love to play another round of golf and celebrate with his favourite drink: a Manhattan.
He remembers being eager for adventure. Growing up in a small town outside London, Ontario, he was disappointed to be too young to follow his older brother into the WWII effort. Like his peers, he saw this as a pathway to excitement and to see the world. He made up for lost time when the war ended by signing up as a crew member on a Norwegian vessel he thought was headed to Europe. In fact, his ship was headed to the Caribbean and landed in Jamaica. It was time to get a real job so he returned to Ontario, walked into the office of an insurance company and was hired on the spot. He worked with that firm until his retirement.
The best decision he ever made was to marry his high school sweetheart. The two were inseparable for 72 years until she passed away a year ago. When his two children left home for university in the 1980’s, he was able to pursue his love of travel by convincing his wife to move abroad with his employer, first to Asia and later to the UK. He fondly remembers spending weekends and holidays exploring neighbouring cities and even countries with his wife while they were overseas. They quickly developed an active social calendar thanks to an expansive network of friends, many of whom were also far from home.
He began to save for his retirement early in life, which allowed him to retire at age 57 when he and his wife returned to Canada. He has lived almost as long as a retiree as he did as an employee. The success of his retirement portfolio was a source of pride and the result of active research and management, with the added benefit of allowing him and his wife to enjoy a comfortable life style.
A wide variety of interests kept him active physically, mentally and socially in his retirement. Until quite recently he enjoyed golf, participated in social clubs, volunteered for local charities and pursued creative projects such as painting and carving.
He enjoys good health and wonders why he is still standing while most of his peers are gone. Many of his friends opted for Medical Assistance in Dying as their exit strategy, and he understands that decision. His world has become a lot smaller as he interacts with an ever-dwindling number of people. He particularly misses reminiscing with his wife about the fabulous life they shared, but appreciates his health, his family and his books.
He finds material things to be a nuisance now. Passing on the control of his financial affairs was a relief. Before his last move, he disposed of most of his clothing, furniture, artwork and personal items. His needs are simple now.
From a glamorous life with a successful career that allowed him to live, work and play in three different continents, he has returned to a more mundane life in small town Ontario where he feels right at home. His favourite spot is sitting in a quiet, shady spot, observing nature. He appreciates his journey and those who accompanied him and continues to enjoy his life. KG