Older the Fiddle, the Better the Tune

Willard Scott

The: The Joys of Reaching a Certain Age

Scott, the Today show weatherman for more than 20 years, sees himself as an active 79-year-old. While he looks back fondly on his earlier jobs, e.g., as the first Ronald McDonald, he says that, with more time to spend with his family, he's quite happy at the moment. Scott declares that the happiest times of people's lives are their childhood and their "old age." To prove this thesis, he sought comments from a variety of individuals-famous and not-on their current lives. These comments provide surprisingly optimistic views among senior citizens. Most people say that they're happier by keeping busy-with volunteer work or jobs. Despite losing spouses or suffering serious illnesses, they feel more relaxed than when they worked because they needed their salary. One man says, "When at the tender age of eighty, I learned of computers and how e-mail worked, I was immediately aroused. I had to be in on this. It forever after became the joy of my life." Former Yankee Yogi Berra says, "You don't have to take any guff from anyone. If you don't want to do something, you don't have to. Unless your wife says it's real important." The book is a nice gift idea; however, it disappoints. Scott offers just a five-page introduction with very little personal information. The entire book is simply quotes from individuals. Other than Scott's name, there's not much substance here besides the ultimate message-old age can be rewarding.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.