St. Vincent Meals on Wheels began with a pot of stew cooked by Sister Alice Marie Quinn for more than 80 senior citizens one night in 1977 while she was working in St. Vincent Medical Center’s dietary department. Quinn, a registered dietician, realized after the dinner that her wholesome cooking could improve the lives of aging residents unable to leave their homes. The program now delivers more than 4,000 meals daily across Los Angeles.
AGE 81
TITLE: Director
ORGANIZATION: St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, Westlake
How many hours a week do you work?
About 40 hours.
Why not retire?
I feel there is still much to do and many more people to feed by providing loving service and nutritious meals.
Does your family want you to retire?
Doesn’t apply.
Best part of working past 80?
I keep learning and meeting so many interesting people and get a lot of satisfaction in helping others unable to take care of their food needs.
And the worst?
I don’t have as much energy to do more.
Are you up to date on technology?
No, I’m afraid not. I still use the Thomas Guide to find where to go and email is the best I can do on the computer. I have several staff who are very knowledgeable when it comes to the internet – they are delighted to help me.
What is the best advice you ever got?
Learn what your passion is, put your trust in God, and proceed.
What advice would you give to those who want to work well past 65?
If you are physically able, have the opportunity to work, and find joy in what you do, follow your passion as long as you can. Don’t count the years ahead – accept each day as it comes and do your best.
What’s the secret to staying healthy and active?
I pray daily, love God, and put my energy into helping others as much as I can. My vocation as a religious sister gives me the time and opportunity to accomplish what I do every day.
Do you work as much as you used to in your 40s and 50s?
I believe I actually do more now as I have learned so much more and see more needs that must be addressed.
How has your work routine changed?
I became a sister at age 19 and my routine started then. The religious life has its own routine that balances our life – pray, work, and rest. I still follow this routine and each element makes the day go as balanced as it should. Too much of one unbalances the other two and the routine crumbles. I constantly work to keep this balance and so much more can be accomplished.
What do you miss the most about being young?
Nothing – I’m very happy with life as it comes each day and I have adjusted to new things to match my energy level.
– Daina Beth Solomon
