Lora & Lou's Story
Radha's Story
"Living with someone you love." That's one of the ways Lora defines happiness. And she should know-Lora and her husband, Lou, are about to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. After meeting in New York under a harvest moon and living overseas in Germany, the couple moved to Houston. They've lived happily in their home for more than 40 years. Lora describes herself as, "a happily retired 85-year-old ex-editor." Lou is an 84-year-old retired tailor who has embarked upon a second career as an artist. They are both actively involved in the community and tend to see the joy in life.
Q: What do you do regularly that makes you happy?
Lora: "I like to garden, when it's not too hot. And I also love to read novels and periodicals. I read the Houston Chronicle and the New York Times everyday. "
Lou: "I paint as often as I can. When we retired, I made my own art studio. I also enjoy visiting with our children and helping them out whenever I can. And I believe in finding truth and quiet. "
Q: What do you do when you're unhappy?
Lora: "I yell at my husband. I bite my fingernails. I pout."
Lou: "I try and figure out what is making me unhappy. And then I try to fix it."
Q: How would you say you've planned ahead for your happiness?
Lora: "Mostly I think, saving so we have money to live on. And staying as healthy as we can, even with the various illnesses we've had. We try to exercise. I try and take walks and I used to swim. Lou exercises every day on the bike and treadmill."
Lou: "We go to the Jewish Community Center and we attend monthly meetings at the Braeswood Democrats Club. It's a local neighborhood thing. I'm also a member of the Art League."
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to plan for their happiness?
Lora: "I think you should get to know your neighbors. We have lived in this house since the early 60's and have a neighborhood watch and know each other pretty well. Also, I think you should join a group or something that interests you."
Lou: "I think you should try to keep contributing to society the best you can. Whether it's being active in politics. Just be active in something. Both of us are mostly concerned with what will happen to the world after we leave it. But we try to plan for that-it helps us to accept that we won't be here forever."
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Everyday for the last 15 years Radha's son makes a copy of the crossword puzzle in the Houston Chronicle, and she brings it with her to the Neighborhoood Centers' Bay Area Senior Center. Radha has found that crossword puzzles are the best tool for her to build her vocabulary. "In the beginning it was very difficult because I did not know anything about English actors and western music but crossword puzzles have been an excellent way for me to learn English."
Radha moved to Houston after she retired to be closer to her five grandchildren. She travels a lot to visit each of them, Radha explains that because she is the oldest in the family, everyone wants her to visit. In the past year she went to Canada, New York, San Antonio and New Orleans.
Q: What are the benefits of attending the Bay Area Senior Center?
Radha: "We have tailored schedues that include crafts, scrabble, or movies. Most importantly, we have an exercise program which helps us remain active and healthy. I never miss it! In addition, we celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Valentines Days, and we go out on field trips. The most meaningful thing is that we eat together, and we do things together."
Q: What do you do that makes you happy?
Radha: "Helping people that are less fortunate."
Q: What do you do when you're unhappy?
Radha: "I like to read, and I like to watch TV, but I do not watch the news, because it's too depressing. I prefer to watch the travel channel. I also like to watch baseball and basketball."
Q: How do you define happiness?
Radha: "Happiness is a state of mind. Happiness is being content with what you have."
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to plan for their happiness?
Radha: "Celebrate your birthday! This is one of the most important things a person can do. It leads people to enjoy the past and gives them hope for the future. Also, get out of the house and talk to people. Go where people are and get involved."
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