Canadian homeowner, Tom Spear, recently celebrated his 103rd birthday with an evening of dancing. A resident of Calgary, Alberta, this avid golfer (he consistently shoots below his age) then went home to the three bedroom bungalow he has lived in for decades. Mr. Spear, one of almost 3700 centurions (those who are +100) in Canada and over 63,700 in North America, is representative of today's active, independent senior Canadian.

"You have to work at it. You just can't sit back," says Mr. Spear speaking about active aging and independent living. "I seldom lie down in the daytime even though there are times when I want to sit down. I take great pleasure in accomplishing things."

He had just finished making 10 jars of crab apple jelly the morning we spoke. Mr. Spear cooks and cleans for himself, tends his huge vegetable garden and is in his 87th accident-free year as a car driver. Living in his own home keeps him busy and keeps him independent.

Although he misses his wife of 70.5 years, Mr. Spear still has much to live for. He recently self-published his autobiography, Carry On: Reaching Beyond 100..., written with Calgary journalist Monte Stewart. In this good read and Calgary bestseller, Mr. Spear shares the positive attitude and joy of life that carried him through active duty in two world wars and through personal tragedy.

Thursday, November 11, remember Tom Spear and the thousands of Canadians and Americans who fought for peace.

Also take time to ask yourself, "Where will I be living on my 100th birthday?" Will your home help keep you young?

More Canadian News & Issues:

Published: November 9, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.