THE SECRET TO A LONG LIFE

"Good shot, Ed," I cheered. "And thanks for a fun game partner."

"The pleasure is mine," Ed replied politely as he made his way to the bench.

The bespectacled man was wearing white shorts that made him seem even shorter than he actually was. I hadn't seen him at the seniors' centre before and I realized by the way he moved on the court (or didn't move for that matter) that he had to be over 80.

"May I ask how old you are?" I asked tentatively as I sat down beside him.

"I'll be 90 in December," he replied proudly.

I was astonished and in a show of respect and admiration, I said,

"Wow...you're amazing. I think I've found the hero I've been looking for."

We chatted briefly and I discovered that Ed is currently writing a book on the role of grandparents in modern society. He has interviewed hundreds of families including some from the Inuit, Muslim and Hindu communities.

"My book is at about 26,000 words now," he explained.

"I'd love to read your work," I ventured.

"I'd like that," he said taking out his notepad to get my email address. "I really could use a second pair of eyes on it."

The secret to a long live may have a lot to do with good luck and good genes. But really, staying engaged in a project without a discernible finish line, that might be the real secret to a long life.

Well done, my newest hero!






















DO NOT BE AFRAID

ED BADER...TURNING 90 IN DECEMBER//a bit wobbly

WRITING A BOOK ON THE ROLE OF GRANDPARENTS