Meet Frances Segal, 102

I was introduced to Frances Segal at a luncheon held by the Organization of Active Adults of Manchester Community College by organization president Elaine Sweet. Frances was being awarded a lifetime membership at the age of 102. Frances is amazingly vibrant and truly a life long learner. She agreed to reveal her formula for a long and happy life.

Timothy Becker: Frances, I understand that you were an advanced student when you were young?

Frances Segal: I graduated from High School by age 16. I went on to receive a BCS degree from Bryant College at age 18. I applied to be a teacher at Norwich Free Academy, but I was told that I was too young.

Timothy Becker: Were there many women in college in 1928?

Frances Segal: In those days the sons were pushed ahead. My brother went to Brown and the University of Maryland. He became a dentist, and was the first dentist in Groton, Connecticut.

Timothy Becker: How old were you when you met your husband?

Frances Segal: I was 22. I met him at a concert at the High School. When we got married I was 26 and he was 32. My husband Jacob was finished with his internship and his residency. He was working at Norwich State Hospital. Later on, he opened his own practice. He was earning $60 a week and his goal was to some day earn $100 a week.

Timothy Becker: What brought you to Manchester?

Frances Segal: My husband visited Connecticut to look for a place to relocate his practice. He talked to George Lester who advised him to locate in Manchester. He opened a general practice and studied to become a cardiologist. He eventually became chief of cardiology at Manchester Memorial Hospital.

Timothy Becker: Did you ever work?

Frances Segal: During the first World War, I volunteered for the Red Cross. I also worked as my husband's secretary for six years until he retired.

Timothy Becker: Tell me about your children?

Frances Segal: I have two sons. They are both retired now. Robert, my oldest, is 73. He was a forensic pathologist in Florida. My youngest, Joseph is 71. He was an attorney and served as a public defender. I have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren ranging in age form three to 14 years old.

Timothy Becker: You look like you are in great health. Have you had any health problems over the years?

Frances Segal: Between the ages of 70 and 80 I had two heart attacks and congestive heart failure. I was practically dead. I was in a wheel chair for ten months when I broke my femur. I have a metal plate from my hip to my knee. By the time I reached 90 everything was OK with my health.

Timothy Becker: I understand that you are still taking college courses. What inspired you to go back to school?

Frances Segal: After my heart attack, my daughter-in-law Barbara suggested that I take classes at Manchester Community College. I hadn't been in a classroom for 59 years. I was 77 when I took my first class. I was supposed to only be auditing the class. When the teacher handed out a test, she suggested that I take it. When I passed the test the teacher got excited and suggested that I take the class for credit saying, “ someday you could graduate.” I graduated in 1994 with an associates degree in general studies. I am auditing a psychology course now.

Timothy Becker: I understand that you are an author?

Frances Segal: I have written three books that are available at the Manchester Community College Boookstore. The titles are "Reflections of a 98 year old," "My first hundred years," and "My family."

Timothy Becker: What is your formula for staying healthy at 102?

Frances Segal: I have four things that I do every day:

First, I avoid stress. I used to be upset about every little thing. Now I talk myself out of it. You must force yourself to avoid stress.

Second, you must get your circulation moving. I walk one half hour, twice a day. Before lunch and before dinner. I time myself.

Third, watch your diet. I eat mostly fruits, vegetables, chicken and fish. I don't eat red meat. I don't drink coffee and I don't smoke.

Fourth, try to find something that you enjoy doing every day that you look forward to, anything that will give you a lift.