Senior Athletes and Senior Idols

On April 14, 2009, the York (PA) Daily Record published an article entitled "Former Senior Idol competitor donates body to study" by Teresa McMinn, who reported that 92-year-old Ed Clautice recently helped "doctors study aging even after his death."

Ed Clautice believed that helping others and staying physically and socially active would help him maintain a long and happy life. Apparently, he was right.

Clautice, who died last year at age 92, competed in local events, including the PA Senior Idol contest hosted by Online Publishers and the senior games.

He also participated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging for about a quarter-century. When he died, he donated his body to the study as an anatomical gift. * * * [Links added.]

The article noted the value of staying active bodily, and challenging the mind educationally, to maintain physical and mental health into a long life.

Studies also show that staying mentally and physically active can prevent dementia, [said Dr. Luigi Ferrucci -- Director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and editor-in-chief of Journals of Gerontology Medical Science].

"He played bridge just a week before he passed," said Ed Clautice's son, Ed Clautice "the younger."

He described finding a diary his dad started writing in the 1930s.

"He would keep track of how many hours a day he studied," the son said. * * *

Ironically, and quite appropriately given Ed's death, the 2009 Pennsylvania Senior Games, an amateur athletic competition, will be held July 20-26 in York, PA.

Another opportunity for seniors to strut their stuff on stage is underway now.

Also on April 14, 2009, the York (PA) Daily Record published an article entitled "Singers audition for PA Senior Idol" also by Teresa McMinn, who highlighted the fourth annual PA State Senior Idol competition.

It took some persuasion from his co-workers for Martin Bentley Krebs of Springettsbury Township to audition for the PA Senior Idol competition Tuesday at York Little Theatre in Spring Garden Township. But after learning he was among the top three performers and will advance to the finals, he was glad he gave it a shot.

At 50, Krebs -- who sang "The Best is Yet to Come" -- said he feels too young to be considered a senior citizen.

"I feel like the new kid on the block . . . the freshman," he said and added that he and family members close to his age recently discussed getting older.

"We seem so much younger at this age than our parents did."

About 100 seniors in five counties auditioned for the event, said Kimberly Anderson, events manager for Columbia-based On-Line Publishers Inc., which hosted the contest.

The winner of the contest, which is open to Pennsylvania residents ages 50 and older, will receive a trip for two by limousine to New York City for dinner and a show. They'll also be invited to perform at the six 50plus Expos that Online Publishers hosts in six counties each year. * * * [Links added.]

The website of the PA Senior Idol program opens with an energetic invitation:

Do You…
Dance…Sing…Play an Instrument…Perform Magic…Tell Jokes?
Have You…
Ever watched “American Idol®” and thought, “I can do that!”
Ever thought you’re good enough for the “big time”?

Here’s your chance to audition and become On-Line Publishers’
PA STATE SENIOR IDOL!!

The PA STATE SENIOR IDOL competition is a fun, motivational experience for today’s active adults. Many participants have never performed before a live audience.

Live your dream! Show the community just how much life there is after 50!

Auditions in the 2009 PA State Senior Idol competition were held in five locations throughout the region from April 7th to 15th, and are now concluded.

The Finals will be held June 8, 2009 at at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, when "friends, neighbors and relatives of the finalists as well as the general public are invited to enjoy dinner at 5:30 and the talent show at 7:00 p.m."

If interested in attending, you can call the Theatre (717-898-1900) for tickets.

"To let other people see that life isn't over at age 85
or whatever number you want to hang onto --
activity . . . is its own award."
-- Ed Clautice