Changing Aging

Last weekend was the Prep Bowl in Minnesota - our state high school football tournament.  Amid the youthful achievements on the Metrodome field, 93-year-old Art Tysk was giving lessons on growing old well by doing what he loves to do.

Tysk, 93, is a familiar face at Minnesota state tournaments and the Minnesota State Fair where he’s sold popcorn and candy since 1956.  He’s been selling game programs since the 1920s.  He started in sales as a kid, hawking the Pioneer Press and Dispatch newspapers.  It’s the Pioneer Press’ Brian Murphy, who featured Art on the front page of the sports page during Saturday’s Prep Bowl festivities.   When he started selling, the
papers cost a half-cent wholesale, and he sold them for 2 cents a piece.

Imagine making your college basketball playing comeback at age 73, after 53 years away from the hardwood.  Ken Mink is doing it.  Check out this video shared by Ecumen colleague John Boughton: