An Iowa woman celebrated her birthday in style.
Trudy Handleman turned 102 years old on March 5th. Her only wish was to run her canned food drive.
Handleman, a resident of Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa, told Fox News Digital that he had successfully collected 402 cans.
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The cans were delivered to the local Friendly House food pantry on Thursday.
“They were very appreciative,” Handleman said in a phone call with Fox News Digital. ”[They] We showed them around the building and talked about other sources of donations. they are doing a great job there. ”
“I was so happy to get the can. The can in the lobby was so bright and clean,” Handleman said. (Emma Anderson)
After Handleman decided she wanted to give back to the community on her birthday, she settled on a canned food drive as the most viable option.
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“I feel like I’m tied to this building,” she said with a laugh. “So it had to be something we didn’t have to do. [hit] It’s something you should do on the street…so it’s somehow a perfect fit. ”
Handleman, who turned 102 on March 5, decided she wanted to give back to the community on her birthday. (Emma Anderson)
“Then the fire happened, the wind happened, and so many people wanted to participate, not just residents, but staff and neighbors, and it just took off all at once,” she continued.
“It turned out so beautifully that I felt very happy.”
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While Quartet visitors are eager to participate, Handleman said local grocery stores have donated in-store cans, increasing her collection to 402 cans.
Handleman told FOX News Digital that her food drive had “great results.” (Emma Anderson)
Handleman encourages Some people pay it forward on their birthday and choose the type of donation that works best for them.
“I don’t want to do the same work on coats and boots and things like that,” she said.
“Let’s let everyone choose.” [their] For yourself, tell your heart that you can do something and find out what it means to be able to do it. And go for it. ”
“Giving back helps us connect with others and work toward our purpose, which is essential to our well-being.”
After 102 years in the rearview mirror, Handleman shared some of his best life advice.
“Take care of yourself, take care of your friends and family, and stick together,” she said.
“I really don’t know how to advise people to live longer. You either have it or you don’t.”
Health benefits of donating
In addition to helping others, acts of kindness and charity can actually improve your health and extend your life, says Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family physician in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Giving back allows us to connect with others and work towards our causes,” he told Fox News Digital. “Connection and purpose are essential to our well-being.”
On March 7, 2024, Handleman dropped off 402 cans of food at a local Friendly House food pantry. (Emma Anderson)
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued recommendations detailing the health risks and dangers associated with loneliness and social isolation, Scuderi noted.
“These include an increased risk of physical and mental illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and depression,” he said.
“Having purpose in life is very important, especially as we get older.”
“Loneliness can be as dangerous to our health as smoking, so we need to stay connected and avoid isolating ourselves from others. Giving back through charity and volunteering can be Helping those in need helps us achieve our purpose.”
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In his practice, Scuderi said he often tells his older patients, “They have wisdom and they have time,” and encourages them to use both to find purpose.
“I encourage them to spend at least one hour a month volunteering, which helps us stay active, connected, and involved in something bigger than ourselves. ” he said.
In addition to helping others, acts of kindness and charity can actually improve your health and extend your life, a doctor told FOX News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
Research shows that purpose is “very important” from an aging perspective, Scuderi noted.
“A 2019 study found that people with the highest sense of purpose lived longer on average, while those with the lowest did not live as long,” he said.
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“I talk to my patients about this often and find that focusing on things that are truly meaningful to them, whether it’s donating to a food bank or spending time at an animal shelter, helps them stay healthy. This is a reminder that it can help promote longevity.”
“Having purpose in life is very important, especially as we get older.”
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