Russell Asnes is an 86-year-old practicing pediatrician who not only loves his job but also loves life. He and his wife, Bonnie, 84, a practicing therapist, enjoy food, wine, art, their grown children, and their friends. His relationship of nearly 60 years with Bonnie is a treasure to behold. Having the privilege to get to know someone like Russell is both inspiring and eye-opening.
Anytime I get the opportunity to spend time with and document the lives of an elder, I gain clarity about what awaits me if I am fortunate enough to live a long life. Telling Russell’s story has been a gift.
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I have been involved in caring for children for the past 61 years. My interest in medicine and pediatrics originated in my early childhood as the result of an injury that required ongoing medical care for several years. Upon graduating from medical school, I served as a pediatrician in the U.S. Air Force for two years, caring for children of service personnel. After that, I returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital to serve as Pediatric Chief Resident. I then spent the next seven years as Director of Pediatric Ambulatory Care at Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. Subsequently, I opened my own pediatric practice, which allowed for long-term relationships with my patients.
My patients range in age from newborns to young adults in their 20s. At this point, many of the parents who bring their children are former patients themselves. Although I have many creative interests outside of medicine, the professional and personal gratifications I receive as a physician lead me to have no desire to retire at this point in my life. As my barber Louis advised me, 'Doc, if you love what you’re doing, you are not working.
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
