Tom Lofton
Chairman, Lilly Endowment Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Betty Lofton
Community Volunteer and Philanthropist
Indianapolis, Indiana
 

Neighbors of Betty and Tom Lofton could almost set their clocks based on the Lofton's ritual of taking an evening walk. "Betty and I are walkers. We've been walking together for years," Tom says. Betty notes, "Tom comes home from work and says, 'Let's go.' We walk together every evening." The Loftons are among the many people who benefit from a brisk stroll as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Both 70-something, Tom and Betty describe themselves as blessed with good health. Their goal is to maintain their level of wellness through exercise and diet. "I've been very healthy all my life and I don't want to lose ground, mentally or physically," Betty says. She is an avid health-conscious cook, which Tom believes contributes to their overall well-being.

Tom admits that his health has not always been at the top of his mind. "At some point, I became aware that my health was my responsibility. I realized that it's not someone else's responsibility, it's my own," he says. He became involved in Executive Health a few years ago and appreciates having access to first-rate physicians in the community. "The most worthwhile part of the program for me is that it gives me access to physicians who I know can help. It's a means of ready access to the healthcare system and it's good to have a knowledgeable group of people to call. I find that a tremendous advantage. I give much credit to Dr. Busk and his colleagues who have helped to keep me healthy," he notes.

Betty recalls when Tom suggested she see Dr. Busk too. "He said, 'He's so good, I want you to go.' I've found that the program emphasizes wellness and we want to preserve the good health we have," she says. In addition to her daily walk, Betty adds in 30 minutes of light weightlifting and stretching to her daily schedule. Whether it means eating a healthy diet or getting proper exercise, Tom and Betty Lofton do what they can to contribute to their longevity. They know they must do more than talk the talk. They walk the walk.