San Francisco — I’m sure you’ve heard of the Forbes “30 Under 30” list featuring the “movers and shakers” of society, but in case the list didn’t make it, don’t worry – there’s a more experienced list that requires decades of wisdom, a few wrinkles, and the ecstasy of life.
The person behind putting together the “80 over 80” list is Dr. Anna Chodos of UCSF. She wants people to know that there is more to life after her 30s.
Chodos described: “We are a youth-oriented and achievement-oriented community.” “We don’t even have a vision of ourselves if we’re younger than what it looks like to get older.”
“To get more examples of older people’s lives, I think bringing it down to the individual level really helps us understand how we envision getting old,” Chodos added.
The list shares 80 inspiring life stories from San Franciscans through online interviews.
Ninety-year-old Dorothy Lathan is part of the list, and she’s been giving back to the community for decades. She worked at San Francisco Unified School for 32 years and retired as a principal.
Her home is a gallery of memories. On the wall is a world map.
Pointing to the map, she described Lathan: “We’ve sailed across the Amazon River.”
Lathan visited every continent with her husband Art. They are also approaching a milestone – 70 years married.
For 80’s most honorable 80’s, Charles George, his birth certificate says he lived nearly a century. His mind is still sharp. He attributes it to a life of consistent practice and sudoku.
Hard to believe, but he retired five years ago. He worked for decades in the federal government and one of his last jobs was in a chemistry lab.
“When I came to the University of San Francisco, I was the only black person in my department,” said George, “researching in electrochemistry.”
Along with living a long life comes a front row seat in history. Both George and Lathan fought for equal rights for black Americans.
“I lived. When I was a kid, everything a black person did was criminalized. That’s why black people got a reputation as criminals. Because if you didn’t get off the sidewalk when a white person came in, you committed the crime,” Lathan said. They can call the police and arrest you. If you don’t say ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘no ma’am’.
Both had a similar perspective. “Keep going.”
“Never give up,” said George. “As long as you’re there. You have a chance.”
visit over here To learn more about the project, see the full list of honorees, and hear their stories!
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