Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 17, 1990 TAG: 9006270107
SECTION: SENIOR STYLE PAGE: SS-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By KIM SUNDERLAND
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
That question probably depends on your age, abilities, interests and background.
However, some people just don't pay attention to those characteristics because they're synonymous with limitations.
Take Rusty and Irene Orndoff for example. They know how to have a good time.
As residents of Warm Hearth Retirement Village in Blacksburg since 1982, the Orndoffs believe it's partly the village's activity center, but mostly their own decisions, that have led them to an active life.
"I know a lot of couch potatoes," said Rusty, 69, a native of Winchester who's proper name is Hugh. "But I prefer to be active."
"Some people would just as well stay home," added Irene, 73, born in Roanoke County. "We don't want to do that all the time."
So the Orndoffs won't just sit at home and let time pass them by. They consider their life full with new experiences with even more of them to explore.
Rusty, for example, works in the U.S. Forest Service's Senior Community Service Employment program assisting the safety and recreation officer.
At the Jefferson National Forest ranger station, Rusty will push a broom, work at the reception desk, file data in the computer or hand out gear at the fire station.
"He's a jack-of-all-trades," Irene said.
The Orndoffs, who worked in motel and apartment management for 17-years after Rusty retired from the Air Force, also volunteer at Montgomery Regional Hospital.
Irene works once a week in the orthopedic clinic, the surgery labs or in various offices filing.
And then they both work another day at the information desk.
Volunteering isn't the only aspect of a busy life. Fitness is important, also.
Since Warm Hearth has a Senior Athletic League, the Orndoffs have been able to compete in the Senior Olympic trials both in region and state competitions.
At the regionals, held in April at Radford University, Rusty received a bronze medal in bowling, but it was Irene who got the silver in horseshoes and advanced to the state tournament.
In May, during the state finals - which 792 people attended - Irene received the gold in horseshoes, making her eligible to attend the national event in Syracuse, N.Y., next year. But she said she's "not really decided about it yet."
"I don't want to think about it," Irene blushed. "It can make you nervous."
Irene, who suffered a heart attack last year, is also involved in the village's walking club and participates in hit-and-throw softball. And they both join seasonal bowling leagues.
"My doctor says it's OK for me to do this," she said. "At first I was worried, but he said, `Hey, if it feels good, go ahead and do it.' So I do."
Rusty, who came to Warm Hearth in search of a job and ended up buying a home instead, is a member of the resident council, serving as a liaison between the residents and management.
"Most older people have more complaints," said Irene. "They think they need to be waited on. And that's a 24-hour-a-day job."
Entertainment for the Orndoffs, who have four children, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, includes bingo, card games, canasta and pot-luck suppers.
"Man, when you get these old cooks together, they can put out the food," joked Rusty.
Irene also plays tambourine with the Kitchen Kettle Band, which travels to area churches and nursing homes, and performs in the annual Christmas parade.
Both believe that volunteering, to an extent, is a good practice.
Irene thinks people have to be specific when deciding what organization to volunteer for.
"We had to chose places that are closer to home," she said.
And Rusty has his own advice for seniors who wish to live longer and healthier.
"Have a sense of humor," he said. "Your senior years can beat you to the ground otherwise."
by CNB