Students from the VCU Department of Gerontology recently participated in the Mayor's inaugural Centenarian project.  What better way to showcase Optimal Aging than to interview older adults who have lived for a century (and longer). 

Catherine Tolton was born on June 25, 1912.  Throughout her life, she has been a true caregiver; as a nurse, as a mother of ten and and as grandmother to 33 and great-grandmother to 26.  At 100, Mrs. Tolton continues to enjoy Scrabble, socializing and reading.

Mrs. Tolton personifies Optimal Aging in her positive reflections upon a lifetime of caregiving and her current activity and enjoyment of life.  Mrs. Tolton's "glass half full" approach to life and aging and her longevity are supported by evidence-based scholarship on attitude and aging.  Quite simply; accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative.

And speaking of optimal aging, let's look at authors Tom Wolfe and Tom Robbins; 81 and 76, respectively.  Writing.  Traveling.  Lecturing and receiving awards for their works.  Both have called Richmond and Virginia home during their lives. 

Robbins was recently awarded the Library of Virginia's Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor bestowed upon Wolfe in 2007.  Both continue to author notable works and remain on the cutting edge of the literati.

What Vintage Virginians inspire you?  Catherine Tolton?  Tom Wolfe?  Tom Robbins?  Let us know who you would like to spotlight in "Optimal Aging" by emailing [email protected].