Coming of age at 80

There wasn’t a vacant spot in the parking lot at Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar on this particular afternoon, and a shuttle was on its way to collect more guests for the center’s annual over-80s party.

The all-purpose room could barely accommodate the more than 200 guests who showed up on Wednesday to reminisce and indulge in birthday cake. The first over-80s party about 20 years ago drew a handful of people.

“This event started out small, but over the years it has blossomed tremendously,” said Vicki Chin, social services coordinator at Oasis.

“We need elastic walls to accommodate everyone.”

Organizers attributed the increased turnout to the extended lifespan of today’s seniors, who also seem to be leading more active lives and retiring later in life.

One of the center’s most energetic visitors and volunteers, Ruby Suikki, was working hard Wednesday, speedily steering her cart around the room to deliver cake and ice cream to each of the attendees.

The 83-year-old has been helping out with the party for many years and had trouble getting adjusted to her role as a guest when she reached octogenarian status in 2003.

“They had to force me to sit down and enjoy the party,” said Suikki, who wakes up at 5 a.m. every day to stretch and walk for an hour. “It was killing me because I’m an active person, and I don’t like to sit.”

Suikki smiled and her eyes crinkled as she talked about her “perfect health,” crediting exercise and a wholesome diet — which includes a good amount of fruits, vegetables and fish — for her longevity.

Dr. Shilpa Deshmukh, who specializes in clinical nutrition at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, said the life expectancy of Americans is on the rise, and some of that has to do with diet, adding that Californians consume more fruits and veggies than people in other states.

“I think people are more aware of their health, and they’re getting screened for diseases earlier,” Deshmukh said.

“In the 1900s, people only lived to be 47.”

Following Deshmukh’s recommendations, seniors looking to prolong their lives should stay active, drink at least six cups of water each day and maintain a good support system by spending time with friends.

John Nelson, 84, and Willard Courtney, 91, were doing just that, enjoying each other’s company — as well as a couple of pieces of marble cake — at Wednesday’s gathering.

The two were busily engaged in “computer talk.” Though both remember a time before TVs entered American homes, neither has permitted the swift advancement of technology to discourage them from taking advantage of its gains.

Nelson is the senior center’s unofficial computer specialist, and Courtney uses his computer to maintain records for his small real estate business and edit his digital photography.

“When television first stated, I invited my folks over to see ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ and now look,” said Courtney, who admits to finding technology a bit frustrating at times. “Computers are a very useful tool and really amazing.”

Oasis staff members were pleased with the event’s success, looking on as seniors laughed and swapped stories of the old days.

“The party is kind of a rite of passage for some of them,” recreation coordinator Marci Knapp said. “It gives them something to look forward to.”

Celebrating her 80th birthday just one day before the event, Barbara Haug was excited to finally have the opportunity to attend and volunteered herself to play percussion with The Company Three Trio, who entertained guests with their traditional love medleys.

Though he had a good time talking with companions about the need for universal healthcare, Haug’s tablemate and birthday buddy — they were both born Jan. 23, 1927 — Allan Beek was not as thrilled about the milestone.

“I wish I were still 20,” he said.