Distinctly Montana Magazine

NOTE FROM DR. HIEBERT Irene Ryder walks up the hill where wild daisies Plan for End of Life with advance directives. Forms called "Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment" may be filled out and signed by medical providers in accordance with the wishes of their patients. This form should be on top of every medical record. dance in the wind. Interestingly, all sit down at the end of the afternoon and before dinner to have a glass of wine or a mixed drink. This relaxation time is a ritual in their busy lives. Someone in each family cooks from scratch. Shirley Rammer buys and mills wheat and follows that up with making homemade bread. "My daughter, who works, lives next door," said Julia Steven- prepares income tax reports for the low-income taxpayer. Lewis also has worked at the Great Falls Visitors' Center. Also a VITA volunteer, Bill Rammer has been president of an AARP chapter and does the newslet- ter for his condominium association. Shirley Rammer has listened to second grade schoolchildren read. Working through RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), Julia Stevenson has worked at flu clinics, processed mailings, and volunteered at the Charles Russell Museum complex. Cal Ryder, who has a keen interest in environmental affairs, volunteers on four different committees, including a conservation district of supervisors and a management committee for re- licensing utilities through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. "Volunteering is a way to stay involved and maintain your self-esteem," said Ryder. Everyone in the group starts out the day with breakfast. For most, it is light, such as a banana and milk or a bowl of oatmeal. Everyone drinks coffee with only Irene Ryder saying that perhaps she drinks too much. Famous for being longest living man in the world, WALTER BREUNING of Great Falls served as an ambassador for Montana until his death at the age of 114. Every day he put on a white shirt, tie, and suit, which set him apart. He was also known for his quotable remarks, such as, "Keep work- ing until you can't work anymore and then keep working some more." He also told people how good they would feel if they would eat only about 1200 calories every day. The way to do this, according to this super-centenarian, was to eat only breakfast and lunch. Also, he recommended pushing away from the table while still hungry. "All things in moderation will lead to a long life," he often said. Because Breuning believed it was important to lead an active life, he held a job until age 99. He died of natural causes on April 14, 2011, after a brief illness. son. "I cook a balanced meal each evening. I think I'm doing it for her, but I know that it is advantageous for me too." When asked about junk food, inter- viewees had to think about what they liked that might be considered junk food. John Lewis said that he liked pizza. The Ryders had to consult each other and finally came up with homemade cookies that they enjoy with their coffee. All find that they value relation- ships more as they grow older. Bill and Shirley Rammer said that there is nothing more precious in life than family and friends. Lewis and Steven- son concurred. Cal Ryder pointed out each individual's responsibility by say- ing, "You have to be the one to make the effort if you want friendships." These octogenarians have learned to use computers and have email accounts. "In the evenings, I write emails and letters to friends and family," said Cal Ryder. Both he and John Lewis often write letters to the editor of various newspapers on topics dear to their hearts. "I wished I had learned to ski," was Julia Stevenson's regret. The Ryders lament that they haven't traveled more. John Lewis wishes he had gone to another college over the one he graduated from, and the Rammers have no regrets that they can recall. All together the group recognized that their regrets were minor. Everyone has a positive attitude about his or her age. John Lewis knows he is going to be around to enjoy his home, so he spent last summer remodeling the living room by adding onto it. He project-managed the job and did a lot of the work himself. "Old age offers a bunch of new opportunities," he said. "I would have never had time to do this remodeling before I retired." Bill Rammer agrees. He said, "Old age is worth waiting for," and after raising ten children his wife, Shirley, adds, "I like the calm." Stevenson sums it up, "Being elderly is a real benefit I have things I want to get out and do every day. I'm glad that I have the energy to do them." 56 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2013 CAL RYDER

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