Alva James-Johnson: 'Mighty Mouse' still going strong

A few months ago, I wrote about George "Mighty Mouse" McCloud, the 81-year-old man who doesn't know much about computers.

Well, this week, I learned something else about my Burger King friend. He's not much into aging, either -- except when it comes to senior discounts, of course.

In fact, George says he never really thinks of himself as a senior citizen. He's the same person that he was 20 years ago, just a little grayer.

But he recently began thinking about what his life will be like in a few years and decided he should begin looking for one of those 55-and-older communities. He wanted to know if I knew of any in Columbus.

I found it interesting that George never thought of himself as a senior citizen because I have so many friends already getting AARP brochures in the mail. And who wouldn't want all the perks that come with the title. Early bird special, anyone?

George, as you may recall, is house-sitting for his son and daughter-in-law, who are in Alaska on military assignment.

I first met him at Burger King when he asked me how to use a computer. After writing about the encounter, I received a lot of feedback from readers. Several people remembered meeting George around town and liked seeing him in the paper.

I even got a great idea from a woman at church. She suggested that we start a computer program pairing up youths with seniors, and I told her it was something we could look into for the future.

George said people treated him like a real celebrity, and he mailed copies of the column to all of his friends.

Now, George and I talk about once a week, and he tells me all about his younger days as a high school football star, airplane mechanic, parent, grandparent -- and, of course, a real ladies' man.

George has, obviously, had a full life. But he's still going strong and looking for more to come.

I guess that's why they call him "Mighty Mouse."

He reminds me of my parents, aunts and uncles, who are all in their 70s and 80s. They're still full of vigor and enjoying retirement, something I hope to do one day.

Listening to George's stories, I've often wondered what my life would be like at his age.

What would I reminisce about? What would I look forward to? And will I have any regrets?

People are living longer, and it's not impossible for a person to make it to 100.

But it's the quality, and not the quantity of years that matters most.

Hopefully, like George, I'll be the same person that I am today in my 80s -- only better!

This story was originally published October 16, 2014 at 11:17 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: 'Mighty Mouse' still going strong."