Did meeting Ona change your presumptions about extreme old age? Do you have any extremely old people in your life?

At 104, Ona is young compared to the world's oldest citizens. This is a surprise to both her and the boy. Was it a surprise to you? Did meeting Ona change your presumptions about extreme old age? Do you have any extremely old people in your life?

I'm happy to see several new great books featuring older people-- this one, plus A Man Callled Ove, The Gentleman in Moscow, and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper to name a few. Maybe it's because I'm getting older (but aren't we all!) that I enjoyed these characters so much. They are people in their own right, but they also act as catalysts for change to the people around them. I felt that Ona's age, and the boy's (dis)abilities allowed both of them to cut through convention and see the worth in each other.

Listening to older people relate their experiences and stories is such a joy. It is like opening a door to a past unbeknown to me. I treasure what they have to say, for they are unafraid to express their opinions, feelings, memories and sometimes even their secrets held within their hearts for so long. I feel that it is so important to treasure older people, for they are truly treasure troves of history.

Not really. I know people in their 90's who are vibrant and "sharp as a tack". I know much younger people, who suffer from illness or disability and get lost in it. I think having a purpose and a support system helps people move forward in a healthy way. I"m sure Ona had good genes, but having something to move toward (the records) and being involved with others (the boy's family) gave her purpose and goal. I think without that she would have been gone.

I enjoyed this book as well as many others such as A Man Called Ove, Broken for You, The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared. These and many others contain bright "with it" older people. My mother is 96 and exercises daily and is of full mind. It's about time we learn from the wisdom of age. I agree with Marcia S above. Having something to look forward to...goals gives all of us purpose. The elderly are no different.

I don't know anyone who is quite that old, but I have a close friend in her 80s who still goes out & hikes & snow camps and is generally pretty sharp. I consequently have never felt that age should be a limiting factor. As someone else pointed out, there are an awful lot of "younger people" who are not fit.

I think perception of age is a very interesting topic. I've always thought of my friend as old, even though I'm now the age she was when we first met - 55 no longer seems ancient! LOL! I have to keep reminding myself that others may think of ME as old now - like the 30-year-olds I work with or my 20-year-old physical trainer.

Yes at 104 she was doing great. I visit two ladies from my church. Both are 94. One is as tiny as a little bird. Healthy as can be but has a problem with dementia. My second lady is very with it but her body is failing. My maternal grandmother, aunt and mother all passed away in their early 80's. So for me it is difficult to think of someone who has lived to be over 100 and in such great shape body and mind. However I have seen news articles about people in their hundreds doing fine.

Ona reminded me that someone can be very old and yet be alert, well and active.

I had reasonably older grandmothers that I spent a fair amount of time with, and one reminds me a bit of Ona. I have a few hobbies that put me in the presence of older adults fairly frequently. I don't think I have any negative presumptions about extreme old age. In some ways, it's what you make of it, and that's how I'm trying to look forward to it.

It did not really change my attitude toward old people. I did hospice work for over 6 years and worked with many old people who showed the same spirit, brains and independence. It did heightened my awareness of how important it is to help old people continue to strive and move forward. I do have several old people in my life including both my 90 year old parents, but I'd love to have more.

I loved Ona. I loved that she still wanted to live and that she realized it wasn't too late to "be" somebody. She could be remembered in that silly book of records. Her life would leave an imprint. I don't know if she changed my opinion of old people but I loved that she gave old people permission to have some spark and some spunk.

There are two members in my quilt guild that are in their late eighties, but only one of them is "old". Attitude and general health are the things that really matter in aging and Ona has the right attitude.

No, meeting Ona did not change my thoughts about extreme old age. I have always been active and am a runner or jogger. There are many people in their 70s and 80s and 90s who still participate in longer distance walking and jogging events around the country. With better information about food choices and cleaner living styles, I believe we all have the opportunity to live much longer lives. Someday soon Ona's age will be the norm rather than the exception. While I do not have any extremely aged friends or acquaintances, I have often heard people say they do not want to live to be old. I think once people realize that age is not a numer but a matter of health and attitude, many will feel differently.

Working in the healthcare industry I get to see a lot of people who are in their 90's and 100's. I recently took care of a man who was 101 years old. He was so fun. He liked to sing all the old 40's songs (despite forgetting parts of the song) and dance with anyone who walked by. He had many stories to tell and loved to flirt with all the women. There are some people who fit the stereo type of old age. They are unhappy and bitter and appear old. It's sad. People need to have intersts to keep them going. Ona loved her birds. She also loved doing magic tricks. When Louise was sick she cared for her even though, Ona herself was older than Louise. It seems like people need a sence of purpose/meaning in their lives to make their life worthwhile. The people who are old and bitter often have given up and no longer enjoy doing what they once loved. Disease or disabilities can take away some of things people like to do, but some people are able to find other things they enjoy making their life worthwhile.

I have never met anyone older than 100 but I am blessed to still have a grandfather in his 90s and I'm amazed at how vibrant a life he leads. Although my grandfather and I talk frequently about his many years of life, I can't imagine using the term extreme old age to describe him or anyone else. I understand from some quick Internet research that the addition of "extreme" to "old age" appears to be scientific and refers to those older than 100 but the word connotes something incredulous - just something about that description does not sit well with me. Anyway - this book definitely reveals the opportunities that we have each and every day we are still here and breathing and that fills me with hope and appreciation.

I like reading books with older characters. They have some much history and experiences to share with the rest of us.

Not really because as We get older we don't feel old-- unless I look in the mirror, or think about age related aches and pains, I've felt the same for decades. It happens so gradually. Unfortunately the majority of our older family members are dead now and that makes me sad. I miss them and wish I had spent more time with them! I believe that is the reason Quinn was spending so much time with Ona.

The character of Ona changed my view of old age in that she reminded me that she was once a young woman, a person like me, capable of making wild mistakes and having adventures, and living out her choices. I tend to label those much older as mature and settled, and maybe that's what they are now, but they've led lives I know nothing about. She just made me think, is all, and made me curious about others I see daily.

When I was young, I couldn't really see older people as people - they were just "old people." It was hard to relate to them. Then my mother got to be very old, and I realized that she was still herself. Now I'm getting older and feel like I'm still me. That's how Ona was - she still felt like herself and was herself. It's good and healthy for people to think of older adults in that way.

My perception was not changed. I also have family in extereme eledrly. My great aunt passed two years at the age of 102.

This book had many messages and one was cherishing all of life. Bad times makes you stronger. I agreed that people around this age are treasured. One thing to read about history as we all know, but it another to live through it.

No because my grandparents lived until their late 90's and I also worked for a assisted living facility for a period of time. I always got a kick out of their stories and mannerisms.