Bettye White Garrett has experienced many changes and unexpected events in her 107 years, from the Great Depression and World War II to the rise of jet travel and mobile phones.
Yet for more than a quarter century, Garrett has enjoyed some predictable constants — including a healthy lifestyle, thanks in part to regular care through Kaiser Permanente.
Garrett first became a Kaiser Permanente member in the 1980s, and she has seen Christopher Hicks, MD, internal medicine, since 1999.
“I appreciate Dr. Hicks so much,” Garrett said. “He takes his time with me and listens to all my concerns with easy-to-understand responses. I faithfully do what he tells me to do, and I trust him to give me the best advice and care.”
Garrett credits Dr. Hicks’ good advice for helping her stay physically and mentally active and fit.
“I am 107 years old, and I feel quite good,” she said.
The appreciation is mutual.
“Having Bettye as a patient makes me realize what a special career I have, working as a primary care physician and having the privilege to get to know patients over a long period of time,” Dr. Hicks said.
Dr. Hicks calls Garrett one of his “originals” because she was one of his first-ever patients as a young physician out of residency.
Dr. Hicks said he values the continuity of care that comes with having long-term patients like Garrett. He said it reaffirms why he started practicing medicine.
Aging actively
Garrett has always been active, and she resisted slowing down over time.
At the age of 50, Garrett became a regular at the Aurora Senior Center in Colorado. With her friends, she went on day-long hikes and traveled the world into her 90s.
These days, she plays bingo and other games, including bridge 3 times a week. She does jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles, reads a newspaper every day, and watches Jeopardy! most nights — all things she said help keep her mentally sharp.
Dr. Hicks agrees that physical activities and “keeping her mind working” throughout her life have contributed to Garrett’s longevity. But they’re only part of the story, he says.
“Maintaining social contacts with her family and assisted living neighbors seems to be important,” he said. “She has something to look forward to.”
Another factor is her approach to life.
“She has a great sense of humor and doesn’t let the small things in life get her too down or too high,” Dr. Hicks said. “She keeps a healthy perspective on all of life’s challenges.”
Choosing Kaiser Permanente
Garrett’s first experience with Kaiser Permanente came long before she became a member. A family member was electrocuted and suffered severe burns. She credits Kaiser Permanente doctors with saving this person’s life.
She also had another early connection with Kaiser Permanente. “My daughter-in-law worked for Kaiser Permanente in the Franklin medical building as the first receptionist from 1969 to 1971,” she said, referring to the Kaiser Permanente Franklin Medical Offices in Denver.
Aside from her appreciation for Dr. Hicks, Garrett said she values how easy it is to get care at Kaiser Permanente, whether it’s scheduling a same-day appointment with a nurse or having the ability to get lab work done on the same day and in the same place she has her doctor’s visits.
Most of all, she said, “I like the kindness and care I receive.”
