Feb 11, 2013"Long Livers" - genes, character or where you live?
There must be something very special about Saskatchewan, or is it rural life specifically? These men and women were not all born here, but I think there's something in the air quality or the pace of living.
Who can imagine checking out after 108 years? According to the stories of their lives, they didn't languish. They surrounded themselves with family and hard work and often credit their faith for their years of health.
The upcoming Heritage Saskatchewan Forum (February 22 & 23, 2013) will feature a session with Regina historian Sandra Massey presenting her findings in "Living Heritage and Quality of Life: Reframing Heritage Activity in Saskatchewan". Her research takes us from the intangible to the tangible aspects of living that affect our life's quality and perhaps our longevity.
It pegs our sense of identity, our sense of belonging and certainly our sense of place as shaping our enjoyment of life. Sandra's discussion will lead into conversations from a wonderful quilt of world views and cultures, from those in the health field, in education, and from Aboriginal communities.
All speakers are meant to demonstrate how personal heritage and health, community and our interactions with others can shape our life.
There is no guarantee we'll achieve the age of those listed in the obits. But in good Saskatchewan living and with the support of those we love, our time here will be a happy time.
Karen Handling
I have joked before that I read the obits daily to see if I'm listed. If not, then I feel confident to go on about my day.
In my ritual this month, I've noticed a peculiar number of obits celebrating the lives of long-lived people: