Treasured Legacies: Older and Still Great

M. Wayne Cunningham is a past executive director of the Saskatchewan
Arts Board and the former director of Academic and Career Programs at
East Kootenay Community College.

This brief volume is a testament in words and pictures to the vitality
and productivity of 44 of North America’s senior citizens, including
such well-known figures as Doris Anderson, Celia Franca, David Suzuki,
Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Oscar Peterson, Swami Pramathananda, and June
Callwood. Each profile comprises informative text and a full-page
photograph that strikingly illustrates the concept of “aging
graciously.”

The text encapsulates not only the changes that have occurred over the
years but also current philosophies. John Weinzweig, for example, “has
gained dignity with age, and certainly has no regrets about anything he
has done during his life so far.” Connie Yang “is setting an example
that will be a legacy to her three children and five grandchildren.”
And Peg Smith believes that “no matter how old you are, you can still
find a way to do something for someone else.”

In an introductory essay, the author discusses 12 qualities her
subjects have in common, including connections to family and community,
passion and compassion, willingness to share, level of physical
activity, and sense of humour.