“I have lived on three different continents, had three different careers, and have lived through many different eras,” said Don.
Don Fletcher believes curiosity has been a continuous thread throughout his life.
“I have lived on three different continents, had three different careers, and have lived through many different eras,” said Don. “I’m 105 years old, and when people ask me what the secret to my longevity is, I can’t take any credit. I’ve been blessed with good genes and good health, and I attribute my rich life to an insatiable curiosity. Curiosity has always served me well, helping me embrace different cultures, different occupations, and different avocations. As my family grew, as the world changed, as time passed, I’ve always been curious, and that has kept my mind sharp and my heart open.”
Don’s father was a medical missionary, so he spent his childhood in Korea, attending a boarding school in Pyongyang as a teen. He came back to the states to attend college at Princeton University and graduated with a degree in English Literature. He next attended Princeton Seminary and earned a degree in Theology. An ordained Presbyterian Minister, he and his wife, Martha, were missionaries in Chile for many years, and also lived in Mexico as Missionary Coordinators for the Caribbean. When the couple and their six children returned to the states, Don taught at both the high school and university levels. Eventually they both retired, and when Martha showed signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they decided to move to Lions Gate, where they could access the support they would need. Don cared for her himself for seven years, residing together in Independent Living. “The Lions Gate community and activities were very important to me while I cared for Martha,” said Don. “We were married for 72 years, and I treasured every minute of it.”
Don’s life at Lions Gate has been very full. “I’m one of the original Lions Gate residents,” said Don. “Over the last 17 years here, I’ve been part of the Residents Council, the Sunshine Committee, and helped found the Music Guild. I swam in the pool regularly and took the Lions Gate transport bus into Philly to attend concerts. I attend lectures and concerts frequently, play canasta, and find great satisfaction painting in our art studio. I even co-taught a religion class with the Rabbi, and it was inspiring to see how my Presbyterian beliefs intersect with Jewish beliefs. Over the years, I have also taken the time for introspective pursuits. I have published nine books, written dozens of short stories and published many on the internet, and still take immense pleasure in writing poetry. Poetry allows me to take notice of the meaningful moments in life. And living at Lions Gate affords me that luxury as well. Life is very comfortable for me here, and there are many things to do that keep my mind curious and engaged. At 105 years-old, I haven’t run out of things that I find interesting, and Lions Gate puts them all within reach.”
Don’s words on a life well-lived offer a good lesson. “One last thought on living a long, full life — care for someone other than yourself,” said Don. “Earlier in life I helped care for children, and later I was called to care for my spouse. Now, I care for my cat, and it really brings me joy. Stay curious. Stay caring. And you’ll live a meaningful life no matter what your age.”
