A Picture Of Aging Well

Paul Foti, 81 of Melrose, has been a Meals On Wheels Driver for ten years.

You’re only as old as you feel, or so the saying goes. Paul Foti, an MVES Home-Delivered Meals Driver, believes in this adage but has trouble pinpointing the exact age that he feels. “I’m not 60 or 65 anymore,” said Foti. “But, I feel pretty good!” he adds quickly, with a smile.

But a casual observer might guess that Foti is 60 or 65. He is healthy, keeps in shape, works hard, stays active, and looks great! At 81, he’s a picture of aging well.

If working hard is the key to staying young, then it’s no wonder that Foti is aging well. He is a worker by nature and has been all his life. It’s his tendency to keep working and keep moving that he says keeps him youthful. “I’ve always said that if you shut your motor off, it might not turn back on!” said Foti.

Throughout his life, Foti has had a variety of jobs. He worked in a tannery as a young man and later went into the restaurant business, opening and running two local restaurants—Paul’s Lunch in Malden and Pino’s Villa in Chelsea. Foti also worked as a superintendent for condominiums in Boston and it was from this position that he was forced into retirement.

Foti didn’t wait around to see if he would enjoy the free time that comes with retired life. “I wasn’t retired for long enough to have any spare time,” said Foti. “I wasn’t wasting any time between jobs.” He kept busy with carpentry work and soon found himself working at MVES.

Foti has been happily delivering meals to homebound elders for 10 years as an MVES Home-Delivered Meals Driver. He has become very friendly with the home-delivered meals clients on his delivery route, many of whom are younger than Foti. “They seem happy to see me, which makes me feel good,” said Foti. “I love working with the public.”

When he’s not working to make a living, he’s working out to stay physically fit. Foti frequents a local fitness center three times a week. He lifts weights and rides the stationary bike, but avoids using the gym machines that simulate walking. “I don’t use the treadmill because I do enough walking when I’m delivering meals,” he said. “Up and down all those stairs!”

After a decade of meal delivery, Foti is certainly used to the tasks required of the home-delivered meals drivers. He says he doesn’t feel exhausted at the end of a work day, like one might expect of someone even younger than Foti. “I may feel a little pain here or there, but I don’t give up,” he said. He acknowledges that he feels fortunate that he remains healthy, active, and able to work at his age. “I think we are all blessed in our own way,” Foti said humbly.

Foti is quick to respond when he is asked if he plans to deliver meals for another 10 years. “Yes, as long as I’m able!” Foti said enthusiastically. “Ha! Wouldn’t that be something?” It would be something, but for those who know Foti and his hard-working personality, it wouldn’t be too surprising.