AgeVenture News Service  Oscar Fishtein, age 93, has a theory on living a long life reads like this: "The secret to longevity isn't an almost discovered potion, a trademark diet and exercise plan, or even a genetic gift.
The secret is the fruition of the simplest ideas: Living is synonymous with growing, a mind that stops learning begins to lose its life." At the age of 93, Oscar practices what he preaches. In 1979, this retired English professor, founded the L.I.F.E. (Learning is For Ever) program. This organization provides senior citizens with tuition free college courses. The L.I.F.E. program is being established across the state of New Jersey for senior citizens to expand their knowledge and live longer healthier lives. Oscar graduated from Brown University in 1927, and at 52, received his masters from Rutgers University. Although Oscar retired from higher education in 1979 when he founded the L.I.F.E. program, he never gave up his love of learning or teaching. He still teaches students, most recently teaching a course titled "Problems of Contemporary Culture." Oscar also is a strong supporter of Holocaust studies at Brookdale Community College. His specific expertise is the rescuing of the Hungarian Jews in the Holocaust, and has authored a book on the subject titled 'I'll Sell You a Million Jews.' John Wanat of Freehold, New Jersey nominated Oscar for the BlueCross BlueShield Ageless Heroes program which honors outstanding seniors, says BlueCross BlueShield CEO, Scott Serota. The lives of these Ageless Heroes, says Serota, serve as an inspiration to all generations. The Ageless Heroes Awards Program was created in 1998 to celebrate the spirit and vitality of the nation's seniors and to showcase Blue Cross and Blue Shield's commitment to healthy aging. Photo Credit: BlueCross BlueShield. |
