Rowntree Gardens Community Member John Robert Hutcherson, better known as Bob and poised to turn 102 on Aug. 31, is not your average 101 year old. And someone over 100 is not your average senior!
Rowntree Gardens Community Member John Robert Hutcherson, better known as Bob and poised to turn 102 on Aug. 31, is not your average 101 year old. And someone over 100 is not your average senior!
Bob is one of approximately 55,000 centenarians living in the United States. While there are now more centenarians alive than ever before, the feat is still rare. To put it in perspective, the average lifespan for a U.S. male is just less than 77.5 years old, according to the World Health Organization. For those who’ve made it to 100, they’re already 22.5 years ahead of the pack!
This amazing aging accomplishment is always met with one common question: So, what is your secret?
With a twinkle in his eye and bounce to his step, Bob’s secret is being disciplined and consistent about following six guidelines. He is relatively healthy, mobile, exercises every day, has good eyesight and hearing, and is honestly happy. Bob’s the kind of guy you’d like to meet and know better. How does he do it?
Following is Bob’s advice, supported by several relevant and interesting studies.
1) Live in an active environment: “I was never one for being still,” Bob said.
Countless studies have found that social engagement is key to living a long life. Leslie R. Martin, a professor of psychology and coauthor of The Longevity Project,an eight-decade study of 1,500 subjects all born around 1910, found that people who had larger social networksand who did more for other people lived longer.
From working on his family’s farm as a youth to working six days a week most of his life until he retired, to walking at least 30 minutes every single evening now, Bob has always been active.
Ironically, Bob retired at 65, thinking he didn’t have a lot of years left and wanted to enjoy what remained.
Bob and his wife Betty were married for 69 years,
“We had a special marriage,” Bob reflects. “We were true partners. She inspired and guided me. We raised three lovely children, and I’m lucky to have had so many good years with Betty.”
After Betty died, Bob lived alone before he and his family decided he needed more regular contact with people.
At 95, Bob moved into Rowntree Gardens in Stanton, a community that has allowed him to stay active with others.
“I play bridge every week,” Bob said. “I visit with other people during meals, and I try to keep busy. I don’t overdo it, but I like that there are so many activities here. Bottom line is, I have always loved people, interacting with others and having a good laugh.”
Bob also enjoys gardening and takes care of orchids and delphiniums he planted outside of his room.
“Caring for flowers reminds me how delicate we actually are,” Bob states. “I really feel that when you’re in touch with nature, you’re more in touch with yourself and the spirit.”
2) Keep close ties with loved ones: A big highlight for Bob is regularly seeing his family. His three children – Betty Ann Wucetich (68), Janice Lynn Hoffman (72), and Bobby Hutcherson (74) – all live within 20 minutes of Rowntree, in Seal Beach, Garden Grove and Cypress, respectively. Each visits at least once a week.
Bob also has five grandkids and seven great-grandkids. His great-grandkids range in age from less than a year old up to 22 years old. Because most of them are in school or working, it can be difficult for Bob to see or talk to them. That doesn't stop him from keeping in touch, however.
When he turned 90, Bob found and took a computer class at a nearby community college. Now, he is active online. In fact, he pays his bills online, emails friends and family, and keeps in touch with his great-grandkids on Facebook.
Rowntree greatly encourages and helps facilitate community members staying in touch with their loved ones and family. Rowntree’s Transition Coordinator/ Family Liaison Roz George focuses on helping new community members comfortably acclimate to Rowntree Gardens and helping them stay connected to their families.
“It’s both very gratifying and important helping families stay connected,” George said. “Our senior community members gain so much knowing their loved ones are there for them. Whether it’s a chat via FaceTime on an iPad or emailing family members photos of what their loved one is doing or arranging in-person visits – really, everyone benefits.”
3) Maintain independence: Health and mobility have also helped Bob stay independent. He only started using a cane or walker within the past year, and only does so now as a safety precaution. The sprawling, 8-acre campus at Rowntree provides a lot of indoor and outdoor space for Bob to move freely around the community – which also increases his sense of independence.
As seniors age, they often feel as if they’re losing control of many aspects of their lives – whether it’s mobility, health, or the ability to care for themselves. Remaining independent and having a say in one’s care can give seniors a needed sense of control. At Rowntree’s Faithful Friends Home Care division, Laura Yancey leads a 23-person staff of caregivers who strive to help seniors with their needs to enable them to stay independent.
4) Eat healthy: A balanced diet is a huge part of living a long, healthy life. Since Bob spent most of his life working with food and produce, fresh vegetables and fruit have always been a big part of his daily diet.
The AARP recommends that seniors follow what it calls “The New American Diet” that puts emphasis on overall healthy eating over stringent calorie counting or cutting out food groups altogether. Some of AARP’s tips for seniors include eating a fiber-rich breakfast; carefully watching sodium, fat and sugar counts on food labels; and eating low-fat dairy, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
Rowntree Gardens Chef Daniel Calderon especially enjoys cooking for seniors. He says, with a few key guidelines in mind, any senior can learn to eat healthier. Among Chef Daniel’s top tips are:
● Make small changes to your diet instead of trying to drastically cut or limit your diet;
● Have healthy snacks available if you’re hungry in between meals. Fresh fruit is always a better alternative to sugary snacks;
● If you’re able, try new methods of cooking or incorporating new ingredients into your diet to mix it up. Rowntree recently opened a new grill / outdoor dining area, and will soon begin making fresh, made-to-order fruit and vegetable smoothies;
● Steam, broil or sauté instead of fry your food;
● Know and be conscious of your dietary needs and restrictions.
5) Exercise regularly: Every night, Bob walks through the buildings and grounds at Rowntree for 30 to 40 minutes. According to his daughters Janice Lynn and Betty Ann, he never misses a night. His daughters also remember how their dad always stayed physically active by working at grocery stores, mowing the lawn, working on the garden and fixing items in and around the house.
Multiple sources cite the numerous benefits of exercising. Even small amounts of physical activity can help seniors to live independently; and exercise can reduce the risk of falls, heart disease and high blood pressure.
6) Keep your mind active: Exercise isn’t just for the body. Staying busy and exercising your mind is also a big factor in living a long life. Staying sharp mentally can mean doing puzzles, reading the news or simply having stimulating conversations with others.
When it comes to Bob’s cognitive abilities and memory, his daughters are always quick to answer: “Oh, he’s with it,” Betty Ann said. “He remembers everything. Sometimes he gets confused on the number of great-grandkids he has,” she says with a chuckle. “But, otherwise he remembers things from a long, long time ago and from yesterday.”
“I read newspapers, talk to people, and try and keep as busy as I can with all the activities here,” Bob explains. “Again, I love people and I live in a place where I also feel loved. The staff members are like family. They also help to keep me on my toes.
“Most of the time I’m happy,” Bob added. “I’m not a worrier. I try not to stress. Why bother? Worrying isn’t going to get you there faster. Stress only wears you down. Who needs that?”
