1. Assignment – Amazing Seniors
Morgan Marshall
Psychology 160
Anneke VanAlderwegen
November 21st 2011

2. Assignment – Amazing Seniors
Rick Marshall is a 65 years old exceptional athlete, and an amazing father to me. He has
a wonderful personality and is a great role model. He retired five years ago after working as a
wildlife biologist for the government for 30 years. I’ve been blessed to have grown up around
this healthy, athletic individual. I’ve always had a close relationship to my father, and I believe
it’s because of athletics that we are able to share a special bond.He participated in the 2005
World Masters for volleyball in Edmonton which I think is an incredible feat. He is the reason I
pursued playing volleyball on the Camosun Chargers team. I look up to him for many reasons
especially because he is aging immaculately, has a positive outlook on life, and is in amazing
shape.
My interview with Rick:
On average how much physical activity do you get in 1 week?
I typically get about 12-15 hours of physical activity each week.
What types of physical activity do you participate in?
Mostly, I walk about 2-3 hours per day while taking our pet Abby (Black Lab) for a run
andI play volleyball for 4-5 hours a week. During the summer I play baseball for about 4 hours a
week. And during the hunting and fishing seasons, I will also hike additional hours.
Do you find certain types of exercise better for your body?
At this point in my life, I find that low impact physical activities such as walking, hiking
and volleyball are better for me, rather than the more high impact sports such as soccer.
Are you finding it easier or harder to find motivation to exercise after your retirement?
Somewhat easier because I know that I need to make more of an effort to exercise so
that I will be able to enjoy my retirement for a long time. Also I have a lot more time on my
hands so it is easier to fit exercise in.
Did you get much exercise during or for your job?
Although I spent a great deal of time in an office, I was also able to go on field trips that
were often very physically challenging. However, those field trips occurred infrequently and did
not contribute much to maintaining my fitness level.

3. When did you start exercising regularly?
I’ve always lived a healthy lifestyle since I was a child but my exercise routine improved
once I retired.
Do you carry the same exercise habits that you formed when you were a teenager?
Yes. As I mentioned, I have always enjoyed physical activity whether through sports like
skiing, soccer, fast-ball and volleyball or through recreational activities like hunting and fishing.
Do you think you would have different habits if you weren’t surrounded by healthy
individuals all the time?
I assume so, but have never been part of that kind of a crowd. I have always participated
in sports of some type, so I have always associated with people who like physical activity and
being in shape.
Do you take special notice of your eating habits?
I always eat healthy but I never have to really think about it as your mother always
makes very well balanced meals.
Why do you think you are aging successfully?
So far, I believe that I am aging successfully for 3 basic reasons. Firstly, I believe that I
am physically active and like to be outdoors doing something. Secondly, I eat well because Anita
(his wife, my mother) recognizes the importance of good nutrition. And thirdly, I believe that it
is important to have an active mind which I accomplish by reading and by watching news
programs and scientific documentaries.
How does having an active mind apply to your physical success?
I keep my brain fresh so that my mind is healthy which goes hand-in-hand with my body
feeling healthy. Achieving the goals of being active, eating well and being mentally stimulated is
what leads to my positive outlook on life.
Lastly, where does your motivation to be physically and mentally fit come from?
Mostly from the self-discipline of knowing that physical activity, nutrition and mental
activity is good for you and will allow you to lead a fuller, more complete life. Hunting, fishing
and volleyball are huge parts of my life and I know that if my body becomes unfit, I will no
longer be able to enjoy all of my hobbies.

4. I have learned so much from my dad. He inspires me with all the decisions he makes,
especially when it comes to staying active. This interview helped me see the importance of
exercising regularly as you get older. To hear my dad say that he is motivated to ensure that he
is able to enjoy his hobbies for a long time, stresses the importance of being healthy. I know
that I want to be able to play volleyball for a long time, but that I will have to work at keeping in
shape so that my body can handle it. He still has a lot of the same exercise habits that he had
when he was my age, so that just proves how important it is to start working on a healthy
lifestyle from an early age. I stereotype senior citizens as sitting around, watching TV, maybe
doing a little gardening in the backyard, but my dad proves to me that you are in charge of how
active you can be. He knows that he doesn’t want to be stuck in a house all day so he’s worked
hard at his health to prevent this. I believe he will be playing volleyball and going fishing and
hunting for many years to come.
This is my dad and I. He wanted to prove just how physically active he is!