Willard Scott will be in Hampton Roads on Thursday, March 6, 2003, where he will be the keynote speaker at the Successful Aging Forum. Not only is Mr. Scott one of the most amiable people you will ever meet, he is fascinating to listen to, and has known more 100-year-olds than you or I are likely to ever meet.

In his new book, "The Older The Fiddle, The Better The Tune," Willard Scott shares his favorite stories and lessons learned from his many years of interacting with seniors. Willard doesn’t hesitate when asked about his favorite 'seniors' story: "I remember meeting this old guy in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio, the oldest licensed pilot in the world. He knew Eddie Rickenbacker and one of the Wright Brothers. He told me about how he bought an old pipe organ, reassembled it and learned to play it when he was 90 years old. He was still flying his plane at 100. Well, I’m standing there with this old guy, a wiry little fellow, and I asked him if he took much medicine. He turned to me, looked me square in the face and said, 'Hell no, I don’t take pills - it interferes with my sex life!'"

"I've never met a 100 year old grouch," remarks Willard Scott when asked about the secrets to longevity. A positive attitude is essential to successful aging, and he ought to know since he has interviewed centenarians for years.

What is Willard Scott doing to prepare for his senior years? "I'm very, very careful about what I spend, more than ever, and I’m trying to sorta take care of myself. My beautiful wife hiked all over the world, ate all the right foods, and still got that awful breast cancer, it's really a scourge. I've cut back and slowed down. I've been born and blessed with a healthy appetite and body. I think religion is an important part for seniors. I think people become very aware of their spiritual side as they get older. That was one of the things I loved about my grandparents and parents - a good, loving Christian home, and I think that's important. Whether it's Christian, Jewish or whatever religion, it's important."

"The people I've met who found fulfillment were all giving people, all people who have helped other people, right on up until their 100th year. Even if they have nothing else they can still smile at other people."

Come meet Willard Scott on March 6, at the Chesapeake Conference Center. You can register for the Successful Aging Forum by calling 757-889-3378. The cost is only $12.50 and includes lunch.