Mildred Schneff, a 102 year-old Davenport native attributes her healthy diet, faith and love of family as the keys to her long life. Mildred now lives at Senior Star at Elmore Place.
What’s the secret to living to 102? “Stay active, have a good time, and don’t worry about anything,” advises Davenport native, Mildred Schneff, 102.
A graduate of Davenport High School in 1925, her life has spanned the rise of the automobile and technology, a host of world wars, the Depression and 19 U.S. presidents. (She even had lunch with Bess Truman at the White House.) And yet, she attests her longevity to the basics: “Put everything in God’s hands and love your family because they will be taking care of you. A glass of red wine every day hasn’t hurt me either,” she laughs.
Many Quad Citians may recognize Mildred Schneff’s last name, as she and her husband, Henry Schneff, owned and operated Schneff’s jewelers for 50 years in downtown Davenport. Henry died after their 50th wedding anniversary, but Mildred’s lifestyle has kept her young. She was living on her own until 2011, recently becoming a resident in her new apartment at Senior Star at Elmore Place.
“Mildred is amazing,” says Senior Star Executive Director Cathy Hughes. “She’ll wear you out, and she’s just a great inspiration for anyone embracing retirement. We really believe here at Senior Star that a strong mind and body enriches the soul and enhances quality of life.”
Nutrition for Seniors
One of the components of keeping bodies strong is nutrition, especially diets designed for seniors. “Great food is one of the simplest ways to achieve a sound mind and body,” says Cathy. “We not only work with our residents to provide a variety and quality of menu selections, but do so with their nutritional needs in mind.”
“Aging bodies have unique challenges,” agrees Quad City Dietitian Jeni Tackett, Trinity Regional Health System. “Seniors don’t have the same calorie requirements. They need protein and a nutritionally dense and plant-based diet. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins B12 and D, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc are all necessary.
Aging bodies have unique challenges, according to Trinity dietitian Jeni Tackett. Fiber, found in whole grain cereals, is a critical dietary component.
“For example, as we age our stomachs don’t produce as much acid. The Vitamin B12, found in animal foods and fortified cereals, helps in red blood cell formation. Low B12 is also associated with memory loss,” Jeni explains. “Iron is another mineral that is required since aging bodies lose their ability to absorb Iron. Plant sources combined with Vitamin C ensure Iron is absorbed. Foods such as beef, chicken, tofu and eggs are great Iron sources.”
Fiber is one other critical dietary component. “Many seniors complain about constipation,” says Jeni. “I really advocate at least 25 grams of fiber every day. You’ll find fiber in plant foods such as oatmeal, vegetables, and other whole grains.”
For the past quarter century, Mildred’s granddaughter, Nancy Reimers, 48, Buffalo, Iowa, has had the joy and privilege of taking care of Mildred and has witnessed firsthand how important it is to eat right, exercise, and keep your family and friends close. “She is an amazingly active woman,” says Nancy. “We are always busy, going on various outings several times a week at Senior Star. Throughout her life she gardened and was an accomplished musician. (She played in the former Tri City Symphony where her father was concertmaster.) She is also an avid outdoorswoman and loves to catch and eat fish.”
For the past 25 years, Mildred's granddaughter, Nancy Reimers of Buffalo has been Mildred's primary caregiver.
In fact, fish is Mildred’s favorite food (not to mention a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and Zinc). In addition to her lifetime achievements and raising her daughter, Joy Schneff Reimers, as well as enjoying 18 grand-, great- and great-great grandchildren, she’s got a 49-pound Muskie mounted on her wall that she caught in earlier years of fishing up north. “It’s the record for the state of Wisconsin,” she laughs.
