‘Don't sit back to let life pass by'

In honor of Active Aging Week this week, The Citizen is spotlighting seniors in our community.

Today we speak with Betty Becker.

Q. What obstacles do you face when it comes to being active?

A. I have macular degeneration and I miss my vision; it's very difficult to cook and measure and read recipes. I do try, and with the help of Aurora in Skaneateles, it's been made possible. They equipped my kitchen with what I need. I've learned to accept my disability and be able to function.

Q. What can seniors do to become more active?

A. You have to feel that you don't want to sit back and let life pass you by. Even if you get up and don't feel up for it, by the time you get going, you'll feel better about it.

Q. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

A. I'd like to go to Luxembourg, where I was born, but I've never been back there since then. I could never afford it.

Q. What do you like most about the Finger Lakes?

A. I like the scenery, the changing of the leaves on the trees, the flowers, and going for a ride and seeing all the wild flowers.

Q. If you could meet any three people in the world, who would they be and why?

A. Ronald Reagan, because I've always thought he's a very interesting president and person. Nat King Cole, he really knew how to sing. And Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America,” I like her a lot.

Q. If you were to win the lottery tomorrow, what's the first thing you'd do?

A. Probably help my grandchildren with their college education because they're struggling. Education has become very expensive these days, so that would be my primary objective.

Q. What's the best way for you to relax?

A. I relax in my kitchen. I love to prepare goodies that look pretty. That's the best way for me to relax.

Q. If you were mayor or supervisor of your town/city, what's the first thing you'd change?

A. I think downtown really needs something done. They had beautiful stores once. When I was a girl growing up in Waterloo, I shopped there, but now the stores are gone. So I'd work on downtown to bring all the nice stores back.

Q. Do you have any special plans for the next few months?

A. I have granddaughters in college. I went to Buffalo to see one last Sunday, and another is graduating from Onondaga Community College this year. So I'm preoccupied with my grandchildren.