Ernie Williams

Ernie Williams, 77

When facing the issue of retirement many of us might ask, "Where can I go from here?" Well, for Ernie, the answer is, "Always to a higher level!" At 77, Ernie exemplifies the kind of spirit and motivation it takes to lead a rewarding life well beyond 65.

The frontman of a seven-piece blues band, Ernie credits music as his driving force. His passion and youth pour out through every guitar chord and raspy blues note sung, ensuring that no matter what your age, you feel the love.

And that's what it's all about for Ernie -- his love. Whether he is playing music, planting seeds in his garden, or coaxing the fish out of the water on a breezy summer day, Ernie is realizing the most essential impetus to successful aging. "You have to be active, and you have to love what you do. If you stop doing that, you'll lose it. There's no stopping… there's no limit."

Al Hayner

Al Hayner, 75

Al was a born entrepreneur, and since a very young age has been proprietor of several small businesses in and around his hometown, including a soda shop, a dance hall, and a newspaper. But even after 50 years of running a thriving boat storage business, 75 year-old Al wasn't quite ready to throw in the towel. Despite the advice of his peers to retire, Al refused to abandon his loyal customers. "When I came to the point of being 65 and it was such that I had to have new storage barns, I was going to embark on that debt and I was being advised maybe at my age I shouldn't because it was a considerable amount of money. But I was thinking about the loyalty of all those boat customers that I'd had over the years, and I just couldn't bring myself around to telling them that I was over, that I was finished, they'd have to find someplace else to store their boats."

So the business continues to thrive, as does Al. His work gives him a purpose, a way to touch people's lives that he would surely miss were he not as active in his community.

As long as he possesses the strength and good health, Al will continue to serve those that can take advantage of his efforts. "I think as long as my health holds up, I'm going to be working, and the day that it doesn't, then I hope I know enough to back off and really get ready for eternal rest."