World’s oldest survivor of COVID-19?

May 28, 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— At 108, Phil Corio is certainly one of the oldest people in New Mexico and the U.S. But now the Los Ranchos resident has a new claim to fame: he just might be the oldest person in the world to survive COVID-19. Phil’s son, 58-year-old Ron Corio, said he and his dad both got sick with the virus in March, although they didn’t know they had it until after they both recovered. Phil said he remembers being sick and going to the hospital, but that it seemed “about the same” as having the flu. “I’m OK,” Phil said in a video interview with the ...

Missourians finding ways to connect with senior loved ones during pandemic

May 28, 2020

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Laura Kitzi and her mother, Lorane Kinney, like to share. Whether it’s a conversation about exciting news, a trip to Midway Antique Mall or an episode of “The Walking Dead,” Kitzi enjoys these things best when she is with her mom. But this routine has hit a COVID-19 roadblock. Kitzi is one of many Missouri residents navigating the realities of staying in touch with an elderly loved one during the pandemic, The Columbia Missourian reported. Between social distancing and the greater vulnerability of the elderly to contracting the virus, many must cope with ...

A new type of birthday party: Two Yoopers celebrate 98+ years with parades, window gatherings

May 21, 2020

MARQUETTE — On the morning of May 13, Verna Holmgren was sitting at her home in Ishpeming celebrating her 99th birthday with her two daughters. Holmgren’s plans were simple and relaxed: spend time with her children and grandchildren, eat cake and lemon pie and reflect on ...

Just a chat: Calls offered for older adults staying home

May 21, 2020

DALLAS — For 81-year-old Dell Kaplan, the offer to get calls from a stranger just to chat while staying home during the coronavirus pandemic was immediately appealing. “It gets pretty lonely here by yourself,” said Kaplan, a suburban Dallas resident who has been missing meals out with ...

From dime stores to a world war: Celebrating 100 years of Leo

May 14, 2020

MARQUETTE — From being a dime-store manager to serving in World War II, 100-year-old Leo S. Marczynski, who resides at Mill Creek Senior Living Community in Marquette, said his “good upbringing” has kept him patient and compassionate over the years. “We all want to end up in a good ...

Retirees, isolated by virus, become DJs for new radio hour

May 14, 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tucked away inside his room at a senior care facility, Bob Coleman knew he couldn’t go out into the world with the coronavirus raging. But he could share with the world his first love — country music. “Hello everybody, it’s a bright day in Franklin, ...