Cardiology Associates of Morristown hosted their annual “Our Noble 90’s” event to honor patients that have made it to that age.
Cardiologist Dr. David Freilich says the practice has over 300 patients that are age 90 and above.
“I think it’s a reflection of the fact that people are getting older,” Freilich said. “People are able to keep going, stay out of nursing homes, have a great life and make the best of it. That’s what we are here to celebrate.”
Dr. Freilich’s mother was his inspiration to host the ‘Our Noble 90’s’ event.
“It’s good to not only have people enjoy the day, but we also have a lot of 80-year-olds who are clamoring to come to this party. We don’t let them in. It’s an incentive for them to live to age 90,” Freilich said. “It’s also important to highlight to other people what they can do to make themselves live longer.”
Henry Shapiro of Dover is the events entertainer. At 99-years-old, he plays the piano and performs weekly across New Jersey.
“I like to do Broadway show tunes. Mostly big hits from the 40’s from the movies and so forth. I perform whenever I get the opportunity,” Shapiro said. “Gershwin is my favorite. He’s a great composer. Unfortunately, he died too young.”
Edward Mosberg is 94 years old. Now living in New Jersey, he was born in Poland. He gives lectures on his experiences during the second World War.
“I was in the concentration camps,” Mosberg said. “I go and talk to all kinds of groups. I’ve spoken to groups with two people. I’ve spoke to a group of 15,000 people. Whatever it is, anytime they need me I go, and I talk. I tell them about the Holocaust because they don’t know.”
93-year-old Roger Conover of Mendham, a Korean War veteran, worked for Bell Labs for 30 years. He started another career after retiring at age 60.
“If I have a claim to fame it’s with an outfit called J.G. Wentworth,” Conover said. “Even though I haven’t done a spot in seven or eight years, I’m out of the business now, I think they still use some of my stuff with the punch line.”
So what’s the secret to living a life into your 90’s. Dr. David Freilich says it’s genetic.
“They’ve estimated that twenty percent of people that lived to their 90’s and above is genetic,” Freilich said. “There’s nothing you can do about that except pick the right parents.”
99-year-old Henry Shapiro has another opinion.
“There is no secret,” Shapiro said. “My brother lived to be 94. Both of my parents were deceased in their 60’s. So, I really have nothing I can count on.”
94-year-old Edward Mosberg finds strength in his lost loved ones.
“My secret is I lost my whole family,” Mosberg said. “So, my obligation and duty is to go around the world and talk whenever they need me.”
93-year-old Roger Conover says to stay on top of your health.
“That got my body in a condition that by the time I was in my early 60’s, it was ready to go on for another 30 years or so.”