Interview an Active Senior Citizen

*Inspired by an activity choice in the GSUSA 1980s program for Across Generations

Many people over 65 continue to do amazing things. Some run businesses, create art, volunteer, or help lead their communities. Others switch careers later in life, becoming authors, teachers, or helpers in new ways. These older adults often say that staying active, learning new things, and helping others keeps them happy and fulfilled.

You can learn about someone in your family, neighborhood, or by reading stories online. Look for people who are excited about what they do and who make a difference in their community.

Take Action

Active Role Model Worksheet:

Step 1: Find a Person Over 65

[ ] I learned about:
Name: __________________________
Age: __________________________
How I found them:
☐ Family
☐ Community
☐ Book or magazine
☐ Online article
☐ Other: __________________________

Step 2: What Do They Do?

[ ] They are active in:
☐ Business
☐ Arts
☐ Community organization
☐ Government
☐ Other: __________________________
What is their role or activity?

Step 3: What Makes Them Happy and Successful?

What do they enjoy most about what they do?

What helps them stay motivated or inspired?

What advice would they give to younger people?

Step 4: Share What You Learned

[ ] I discussed this person’s story with my troop/group
[ ] I shared what I think success means at any age

Online Articles to Explore

Here are some articles featuring older adults in different fields:

Name & Role	Interest Area	Article Link
Betty Reid Soskin, Park Ranger at age 100	Government & History	National Park Service – Betty Reid Soskin
Grandma Moses, painter who started in her 70s	Arts	Smithsonian – Grandma Moses
Charles Allie, world-record sprinter in his 70s	Athletics	DoYouRemember – Charles Allie
Tao Porchon-Lynch, yoga teacher past 100	Wellness & Teaching	Wikipedia – Tao Porchon-Lynch
Dr. Gladys McGarey, practicing doctor at 100	Medicine & Writing	CNBC – Dr. McGarey’s Happiness Tips

Tia Kennard