DO YOU WANT TO LIVE TO BE 100 YEARS OLD?
by Alcamo "Al" Passagento

If you've ever imagined what it might be like to live to the age of 100, you've come to the right place. I have interviewed dozens of people in this category. The three people that I feature here all give their opinions as to what it is they did or didn't do to achieve this milestone. What they have to say might make a difference in the way you approach your life in the future. So, pay attention.

George is a retired dentist from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who currently lives an active life here in Los Angeles, California with his daughter. He is today 102 years old and he has this to say:

"There are so many things to tell people about my formula for living. First, in crisis, you must keep a mind in peace. My saying has always been 'a belly laugh is better than a pill anytime.' My rules as far as diet goes are: no eating between meals, thorough mastication of food before swallowing, and a lifetime of care of mouth and teeth, so that chewing is possible. My earliest memories include an ability to enjoy hard work and to be happy through adversity. As a boy, I worked in an upholstering factory and learned the trade of the machinist. I tested motorcycles and worked as an automobile salesman to get myself through college, then graduated from the Chicago College of Dental Surgery. In a long life it seems as though I have had more than my share of hard luck. When you are really down, the best cure is to do something good for somebody else.

"I would tell future generations, 'stop smoking at an early age.' I have no patience with those who can't stop. I smoked cigars all my life before I realized its dangers 20 years ago. Beer, wine and whiskey are okay in moderation, but if you can't handle it, drop it. I have reduced mine to one bourbon highball a day and since I have only one, I make it a dandy!"

Mary Teresa, who is today 100 years old, had lived most of her life in Wabash, Indiana before moving to Southern California when she was in her 70's. Her rules for a healthy long life are:

"My formula for living a long life is keeping God's Commandments. We shorten our lives when we drink too much, eat too much, sleep too much, and fail to walk to town or else- where. You must keep the mind alert through study and prayer. Do not cause your blood pressure to rise through anger, malice, and ill will. Diet plays a vital part in longevity. In my formative years I had beef, lamb, veal chops and some pork, oatmeal, prunes, sorghum, potatoes, vegetables (both canned and fresh), all cooked well and served very attractively. I had spent most of my life in Wabash, where my husband Michael was in the food business. Yes! Wabash had been good to us. We enjoyed a good business and great fellowship.

I was educated in law, a great help in any occupation I pursued. I was trained for work in the mental health field, where I worked for 55 years. To others I'd like to pass on that God is with us showing us how to pray, bringing order into our lives and affairs, controlling our thoughts, feelings and emotions. His wisdom reveals to us the way to live in care and peace."

Mr. Robert, as I called him was my lawyer until he retired at the age of 90. Today his is 100 years old. He always lectured me on his formula for living. Here it is:

My formula for living a long life includes taking care of your health, watching your diet, not smoking, not drinking liquor or coffee, and exercising regularly. Diet is very, very important. My parents were very careful and provided me with common sense and good diets. My father thought it was cheaper to buy the best foods than to pay doctors!

My parents played a big factor in my memories from early on out. My father taught me and my nine brothers and sisters to learn how to work and have responsibilities. He kept us too busy to get into trouble. I was always athletically inclined. I was quarterback on the high school football team and captain of the baseball team. I lettered in track at the University of Iowa.

Upon graduation from the University of Iowa, I came to Los Angeles to locate as a young lawyer. I didn't know three people. I had a rough start, but have been here ever since. Important things I've learned are always to finish what you start, watch your diet and get lots of exercise, and never smoke or drink liquor or coffee. Take care of your health, I tell others. It's the best thing you've got."

EDITOR'S NOTE:
For the record, "Big Al" has lost twenty pounds overall this year on his seesaw diet. Well, anyway, that's twenty pounds less he'll have to lose this coming year.