Senior citizens too often are depicted in their dotage, but two stories in The Day should remind all generations that chronological age has nothing to do with youthful spirit.

We were particularly touched by accounts about Lois Leveille, a former airline stewardess now in her late 80s who recently fulfilled her wish to go back in the air ( “Nonprofit group grants Mystic woman’s wish to fly again,” Nov. 9,), and a nonagenarian Public Works Department employee (“Still on the job at 90, Jim Tillinghast makes North Stonington roads his business,” Nov. 7.)

Staff Writer Deborah Straszheim’s article describes how a national nonprofit, Seniors Have Dreams, Too, Inc., arranged for Mrs. Leveille and her nurse to take a 60-mile helicopter ride from Newport, R.I., to Westerly Airport.

She dressed up, wore lipstick and put her hair in a twist for the flight, which took her over Mystic and Misquamicut State Beach, looping around so she could see Block Island and Ashaway, R.I.

The staff at Mystic Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where Mrs. Leveille lives, gathered outside to watch from the ground.

“It was magnificent,” Mrs. Leveille said. “Being up in the air, it’s a wonderful feeling. I love flying."

Staff Writer Ann Baldelli’s story tells about how Mr. Tillinghast took a job with the North Stonington Public Works Department nearly a half-century ago and continues to work full time.

"He's the first one in in the morning and the last one to leave at the end of the day," said Don Hill, the interim head of public works. "And he's a hell of a worker and strong as an ox. I'd put him up against any 20-year-old anytime, and Jim would run circles around them."

Asked why he keeps working long after most people his age have retired, Mr. Tillinghast said it's simple — he likes it.

"It's fun. It's something to do," he said. "I'm not just sitting home and dreaming all the time. …When you sit around, that's the worst thing you can do."

Simple formulas for long, happy lives: Stay active, and keep looking toward the horizon.