Old News Is Good News

Today's post is old news, not old as in "stale," but old as in relating to seniors. Both of these reports are dated September 15, 2009. I think both entries fit the title of "amazing but true" and yet both remind us of the real-life happenings of senior citizens on a very common level. Their lives and accomplishments add color and meaning to our world every day. Still often, very little news reveals the true stories of older folk.

Looking For Love #23 at 107 Saeed Ahmed of CNN reports, "Afraid that her husband will leave her for a younger woman, a 107-year-old Malaysian woman is looking to marry again -- for the 23rd time." Wok Kundor realizes she is an aged woman without many beautiful physical attributes to attract anyone, and recently she has been feeling insecure since her recent husband of four years, 70 years her junior, has left their village in northern Terengganu state for a drug rehabilitation program in Kuala Lumpur.

R.S.N. Murali, a reporter for The Star, the English-language Malaysian daily, has been tracking the romance and reports Kundor is worried he might not come back after his program and, instead, find himself a younger wife.

If so, it seems that Wok has her eyes set on a 50-year-old man, but hopes it does not come to that. But, she states,"My intention to remarry is to fill my forlornness," particularly during the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan, she said.

Wok would not discuss past relationships, Murali said. She simply states, "Some of her better halves have passed away or have divorced, but she doesn't want to talk about them or her children."

Muhammad, Wok's husband was quoted in an earlier report as saying the couple fell for each other because it was "God's will." On Monday, he told The Star that he is still very much in love with his wife and cannot dream of life with someone else. But Wok wants to hear him say it, Murali said.

Soon, the centenarian plans to make the journey to Kuala Lumpur -- if she can find a neighbor to drive her there.

Triumph For Vera Lynn at Age 92 According to CNN correspondents in London,Vera Lynn, who made her name entertaining troops in World War II after recording her first song 70 years ago, has become the oldest living artist to have a number one album.

At 92, Dame Vera Lynn's album We'll Meet Again -- The Very Best of Vera Lynn took the top spot in the British charts on Sunday, even outselling much-hyped re-mastered versions of the Beatles' back catalogue, according to the UK's Official Charts Company. Vera said, "I was staggered. I was a big fan of the Beatles, and I really can't believe it. Our music couldn't be more different."

The previous oldest living artist to top the charts was Bob Dylan, who at 67 saw his album Together Through Life become number one in the UK earlier this year.

Lynn credits her fans for this recent success according to the UK Press Association. She is delighted and a little surprised with the outcome of her album's recent release. But, she won't record again, insisting, "Your voice doesn't go up to 92."

Dame Vera earned her affectionate nickname, "Forces Sweetheart," for entertaining the troops, but she is typically modest about what she did. "I didn't think I was doing anything special," she said. I was a singer and I thought the boys deserved some entertainment. I would like to be remembered just as somebody who tried to do their bit for the war effort and hope I brought a bit of home and a bit of cheer and comfort." (Kate Jackson, The Sun, September 15 2009)

Yet, she is no stranger to success and fame. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II awarded the veteran singer the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1959 and in 1975 made her a dame.

She was born in east London and started her singing career at age seven in local working men's clubs. When Neville Chamberlain announced the country was at war -- 70 years ago this month -- her first thought was that her singing career was over.

During the war, Lynn was known for hits such as "The White Cliffs of Dover" which struck a chord with British soldiers fighting overseas and audiences at home. Her velvet smooth voice and homely songs made her an instant favorite with troops on the front line. In 1944, she flew to Burma to entertain.

Of today, Dame Vera relates, "You must keep the boys entertained, no matter where they are. It means a lot to them - they feel a little closer to home. I have every respect for people who visit the troops. It's not an easy job and you find yourself living in very difficult circumstances but you just muck in."

Re-released Hits for Baby Boomers:

And, speaking of music, baby boomers are loving the re-mastered Beatles catalog. Of course, many boomer hits have been re-released to satisfy the desire for some old-time popular music. Thanks to Pruneville.com, here are a few that didn't make the cut.

• “You’re So Varicose Vein” by Carly Simon
• “How Can You Mend A Broken Hip?” by the BeeGees
• “The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face” by Roberta Flack
• “I Can’t See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash
• “Papa Got A Kidney Stone” by the Temptations
• “You Make Me Feel Like Napping” by Leo Sayer
• “Once, Twice, Three Trips to the Bathroom” by the Commodores
• “A Whiter Shade of Hair” by Procol Harum
• “I Get By with a Little Help from Depends” by the Beatles
• “Rikki, Don’t Lose Your Car Keys” by Steely Dan
• “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Walker” by Herman's Hermits
• “Talkin’ ‘Bout My Medication” by the Who
• “Bald Thing” by the Troggs
• “You Can’t Always Pee When You Want” by the Rolling Stones
• “I Heard It through the Grape Nuts” by Marvin Gaye
• And last, but definitely not least, “Bad Prune Rising” by Credence Clearwater Revivial (our personal favorite)