Waldo McBurney is about to turn 105-years old. He has lived his entire life in northwestern Kansas, and works everyday tending his bee colonies and processing honey. He and his wife, Vernice, live in their own home. He still drives, but he prefers walking from his home to the post office, and to his business office beside the town's library.



In my own experience, all my male role models expired in their eighties, with the only exception of my maternal grandfather who was 76. Most suffered from some form of dementia in their final years, the disease robbing enjoyment from both of us.

I began to research how I might prevent my own mental incapacitation, if not prolong life, and in so doing, I found articles about Mr. McBurney, who at the time had just been presented an award for being the nation's oldest worker. In my quest, I traveled to Kansas a few months ago to spend a week with this fascinating, intelligent, witty, and humble man, hoping to learn his secrets.

He told me his strategy for achieving a meaningful and useful old age, and he listed 21 areas that one must tend to if they are to successfully negotiate the golden years. He spoke of faith, exercise, proper nutrition, and a positive attitude, and that it's never too late to begin. At age 65, he began competitive distance running, and by the time he was 100, he had earned five gold medals in international competition. Some of his records still stand.

As we walked the length of his small town together, I was impressed by Waldo's wit, energy, and intellect, and I encouraged him to allow me to record his life's story so that it might benefit others.

He agreed, and in August we released My First 100 Years! --his new audio book in his own voice. Anyone wishing to learn how Waldo continues to thrive, and how they might apply his principles in their own lives should hear this book. Waldo also plays the harmonica, and supplied the theme and incidental music for it.

Amazon.com is featuring it at a nice introductory discount. Look for ISBN: 9780979467202