How often do you get to hear from someone who’s 102 years old, sharp as a tack, and still living life with passion and purpose? In this episode of Growing Older with Gusto, host Gail Zugerman sits down with Dr. Robert Farber, a retired neonatologist pediatrician from Toronto, Canada. Dr. Farber shares his secrets to a long, fulfilling life—filled with family, friendships, and a love for sports (and yes, he still plays a mean game of Bridge!). He reflects on decades of medical practice, the joys of watching his grandchildren thrive, and his thoughts on the ever-changing world.
Tune in for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation with Dr. Farber—proof that growing older with gusto is all about living with love, laughter, and resilience!
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Thriving At 102: Dr. Robert Farber’s Secrets To A Fulfilling Life
How To Grow Older With Gusto
I'm so excited because we have a very special guest on the show coming to us from Toronto, Canada. His name is Dr. Robert Farber. It's a pleasure to welcome you to the show. He has so many things to talk about. Most importantly, as most of you readers know, we love to talk to people who are growing older in a positive productive way. Dr. Farber is an incredible example of somebody who was now 102 and sharp as a tack and interesting. I'm going to stop talking because we got to talk to talk to Dr. Farber about all his secrets on how he got to where he is. Welcome to the show, Dr. Farber. How are you doing? How are things in Toronto?
A little cool but bright. We're terribly worried about Trump.
That could be a whole another episode. Tell me a little bit about what you like to do when you were growing up. What was like some of your favorite activities.
I'm a very big sports fan. I'm still a big sports fan now. I loved fishing. My elder son and I went all over Canada in Northwest Territory and caught some big fish.
What kind of fish? Is it Pike or salmon? What were you catching?
We're catching mostly Pickerel. You call them Walleye. Big eye.
What's the biggest fish you've ever caught?
I got a recording from the Minister of Fisheries in Manitoba. It was a 48 inches Pike. It’s an action release. You caught it and then you let it go.
One of the reasons that you were recommended to me to be on the show is, we love talking to people like you who are navigating through life in a way that is inspirational. I wanted to ask you, what would you tell someone who's at midline about what they should be doing and enabling them to grow older without being afraid of being older? Is any advice you would give to them?
What will I advise them?
What did you do to reach your state?
Sit back and relax. You can’t do anything about faith.
What did you do to stay vital throughout your life? You said you like sports. Were you actively involved in a particular sport?
I'm 6 foot one and a half, so I played a little bit of college of basketball. I grew up in a small town in Canada in Brantford, Ontario. I could skate beautifully. As a matter of fact, one of my closest friends Sam Kennedy eventually became a Detroit Red Wings Star.
This is hockey. You played hockey?
I could play hockey.
Did you any other physical activities at midlife that you enjoyed?
Physical activity? Making love to my wife.
You don't need anything to maintain a friendship. It just exists.
How long are you married?
65 years.
Dr. Farber's Career As A Pediatrician
Congratulations. That's quite a milestone. I know you're a physician. What medicine did you practice?
I was a pediatrician. A child’s specialist.
Did you specialize in sleeping disorders with kids or anything special?
Yes, neonatal work, newborns. Worked with sick kids a little over for 35-40 years.
What is giving you the greatest strengths as you've moved through your life aside from being a doctor?
My family.
Family As His Greatest Strength And Joy
Tell me a little bit about your family.