SUZANNE WARING
John Lewis, 81, uses his skooter to get around his hometown of Great Falls.
Bill and Shirley Rammer fly fishing.
SCOTT FAIRBANKS
he decided to change that. He quit smoking and started running. He ended up running a marathon. At age 81, he doesn't run marathons anymore, but he is an avid hiker and walker. He and his wife, Linda, are often seen walking near their home. This last summer he and another much younger hiker did Glacier Park's strenuous Ptarmigan Tun- nel Trail.
Bill, 87, and Shirley, 82, Rammer have been married 60
years. Ignoring their age, they continue to kayak, fly fish, walk, and hike together.
These octogenarians are still active and enjoy each day because they are healthy. Although far from being a scien- tific account, hearing what these people have to say sheds light on the common elements that keep them healthy and fit.
They are all walkers. John Lewis and the Rammers make an effort to spend time each day walking. Stevenson walks her dog at least a half-mile daily, and the Ryders walk while doing their daily chores on their acreage. For example, they walk five blocks round trip to pick up the morning newspa- per. In the winter the Ryders continue to get in their walk- ing exercise when they go south to bird watch. Cal Ryder noted the different attitudes people have about walking, "Some people drive around and around, trying to find a parking spot close to their destination while others realize that parking and walking to a store can be part of daily exercise." None are avid television viewers. "I don't care much for television, but I do sometimes watch the public broadcast- ing station," said Bill Ramer.
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DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2013
