I was so inspired by Emily Cook (see "Like Fine Wine" on our home page) that I called up a friend of mine on my iPhone -- 91-year-old Rita Barry from Boston, Massachusetts -- and asked her a few questions about living a long life.  Owls know a lot about living a long life, but I wanted to hear more about how humans do it.  So here you have it, my interview with Rita Barry:

10 Questions from Me, the HooplaHa Owl, for 91-year-old Rita Barry

1. Did you ever think you’d live this long?

Yes, I did, because I have led a good life. Keep moving, that's the key!

2. What is the biggest change you’ve seen in people in your lifetime?

People are more themselves.  Not afraid to speak their own minds. That’s a good thing.

3. What is the biggest technological change you’ve seen in your lifetime?

Television.

4. What do you miss most about the olden days?

The life was simple.  People saw each other more.  There was more togetherness.

5. What don’t you miss?

Life was harder with the normal tasks.  Travel, healthcare, laundry.  All the conveniences of today’s life were not there then.

Rita Barry in the 1930's, far left

6. What do you like best about 2012?

It was a very mild winter and I had company all winter.

7. Any dreams you’d still like to realize?

I want to make sure my children and my grandchildren have everything they want, and I want to live to be 105 because 100 isn’t anything today, but I’ll have to wear thick glasses I guess because my eyesight is going!

8. Any wisdom to share from all your years on planet earth?

Just be yourself and be good to one another. In the end all that matters is kindness.

9. Any secrets you’d like to share?

No, are you kidding, I’m not going to share my secrets with you guys.  If I tell you, they wouldn’t be a secret anymore.  Perhaps on my 100^th birthday!

10.  Can we have a picture of you?

Yes but I am not available for the beauty contest.

Rita Barry in the 1930's, far left.