Are there any nurses here that are 60 or older?

Hi, My mother is still a practicing nurse. I am going to submit her answers as the two of us talk.

- When and where were you born?

Butler, PA

- Did you live there most of your childhood?

all of it, on a farm

- Tell me about your childhood

It was a wonderful way to grow up. As a girl, my chores were mostly helping my mother with running the house and providing meals for the workers. Play time was outside. We had horses and a pond for swimming. We weren't concerned with fashion but had everything we needed, plenty of healthy food and we were surrounded by family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. People weren't so scattered back then.

- What was the most memorable thing about your childhood?

I always felt loved and contented. There weren't all the choices and decisions to make like there are now.

- What is the nicest thing you can recall from your childhood?

Just the simplicity of life.

- What is the worst thing you can recall from your childhood?

I can't remember anything.

- Tell me about your life as a teenager.

I was pretty well behaved compared to today's teens. Obeyed my parents.

- What were the dating practices like?

I didn't actually date until my last year of high school, I had a steady boyfriend but all we did was kiss!

- Tell me about your early schooling

I went to nusing school after high school, Catholic nursing school run buy nuns. I got dentention for wearing patent leather shoes (they reflect your underwear), and also once for bleaching my hair! We lived in an all women's dormitory.

- What did you do for fun?

Dated!

- How did your family earn a living?

Farming

- Did you marry? If so, how old were you when you married?

22y.o.

- Did you have any children? If so, how many?

Yes, 6

- If you had children, what were some of the best memories?

Family picnics, spending time on the farm, skiing

- If you had children, where do your children live now and how often do you see them?

2 boys in PA, 1 in FL, 1 in Abu Dabi, 2 girls in CO. I live with one of my sons and see most of my other children every few months with regualar phone calls.

- How do you think family life has changed over the years?

Spread out.

- What kind of changes have you seen in society (technology, lifestyle) over the years? What do you think is good/bad?

People are to busy with too many choices too make which stresses them out.

- Are you retired?

No, I still work for the VNA doing flu clinics and immunizations prn

- Do you think there is some age at which people should stop working?

It depends on the person. Not me!

- What was your major occupation?

I was a full time Mom for 20 yrs then went back to nursing.

- What was your first job like?

Right after graduation, I worked in an OB unit, in the nursery.

- What other jobs have you had?

Just nursing and motherhood.

- Which job was the most satisfying to you?

motherhood

- Have you had to make adjustments in your life as the result of physical changes?

Slowed done with age but still going strong!

- What was your reaction when you began to notice some physical signs of aging?

Well, it doesn't happen overnight and I have always felt young for my age anyhow.

- What part, if any, has religion played in your life?

I'm Catholic and that has always given me strength.

- Age?

77

- Do you exercise regularly? If so describe (frequency, intensity, time)

Yes, I go to Curves at least 3 times/week and always park as far away as possible when I'm out running errands.

- Do you smoke or have you smoked cigarettes, cigars, or pipes? Describe habit

I've smoked 1/2 or less pack a day for over 50 yrs and am still trying to quit

- How has your eating/diet changed as you have aged? Who prepares your meals?

I was diagnosed with Celiac 2 yrs ago and I prepare my own food of course.

Do you take any supplements?

Multi and Calcium, Flaxseed

- Do you consider yourself a religious/spiritual person? Describe your religious/spiritual activities. How have these changed as you have aged?

I've always tried to go to church every Sunday and respect all religions.

- In what kinds of social activities do you participate? How have these changed as you have aged?

I have girlfriends I get together with and also enjoy frequent family visits.

- What major health issues or concerns do you have?

Celiac, hptn, AVMs