Longevity in Hermosa: Norman Klink

Hermosa Beach ranked as the most affluent city in Los Angeles County, according to a report released by the county's Department of Public Health. But the average life expectancy in town is 80.4 years, which is not much higher than the county's overall average of 80.3 years.

This is the sixth in an eight-part series profiling Hermosa's longest-lived residents, who share their thoughts about longevity, happiness and why the city's high economic ranking doesn't translate into a longer life expectancy.

Hermosa Beach resident Norman "Skip" Klink, 72, spoke with Patch about how avoiding risks and eating healthy are the secret to longevity.

Hermosa Beach Patch: Why do you think that Hermosa Beach doesn't fare much better than Los Angeles County overall in terms of life expectancy?

Norman Klink: I don't know. There's a lot of young people in this community … maybe too much booze? I don't know. Keep everything in moderation. You go to extremes, you're in trouble.

Patch: What do you advise people to avoid doing to stay healthy in the golden years?

Klink: Avoid drinking too much, avoid extremes. You've got to keep things in moderation, don't get too crazy … learn your lesson[s] in life … Don't be too reckless. I've got I don't know how many broken bones in my body, I'm just lucky.

Patch: How do you stay healthy now as a senior?

Klink: Keep active, and have a young wife … keep on trucking.

Patch: Do you exercise at all to stay healthy?

Klink: Bike ride, walk, jog on the beach occasionally, that's about it.

Patch: What are your secrets to longevity?

Klink: Eat healthy, a balanced diet, take some vitamin pills if you think it will help, and have a good sex life.

Patch: As a senior, what is the secret to happiness?

Klink: Very good question, stay away from people who bring you down, and have friends … just have a positive outlook on life.