The lifestyle of farm work from childhood through adulthood for both men and women, produced physical activity and fresh air. Most rural elders will tell you that they do not engage in or need regular exercise -- they get enough physical exercise in their work.

Speaking of work, they tend to not stop working at the magic age of 65. Retirement is not even part of their vocabulary. As long as they live on the farm and as long as they remain functionally fit, they work.

Copyright 2000