Ellen Depta – A Superager Enjoying Life to the Fullest
9/11/2025
NATCHEZ, MS, September 11, 2025 – As we get older, finding role models who are older than we are can be difficult. Medical science, within the past few years, has identified a new group we can aspire to join — the superagers. Superagers can be defined as people in their 70s and 80s who have the mental and/or physical capability of those who are decades-younger.
In promoting our upcoming email series on longevity, Merit Health Natchez discovered a superager in our community who is living life to the fullest. Ellen will turn 80 in October, and if you want to keep up with this young lady, you better put your walking shoes on.
“I may be 80 on paper, but I sure don’t feel like it,” said Ellen. “Most days, I feel more like I’m in my 60s. I still get up each morning with energy, ready to move and enjoy the day.” A typical day for this superager may involve working at one of her two part time jobs. We caught up with her while on her job at Byrne Insurance Agency. “I retired in 2021 after 22 years of working full time in kuman resources at Merit Health Natchez,” said Ellen. “I think I lasted three months before I knew I was not meant to just sit at home. I missed being in the work force. Working keeps my brain energized and focused and affords me the opportunity to be around people, which I love.”
When Ellen is not working, you will find her at the gym or playing pickleball or tennis. She still enjoys water activities, although she did admit to hanging up her water skis at the age of 78. She also does all of her own house and yard work. Staying physically in shape has always been a priority of Ellen’s. “I have always been physically active because I knew I wanted to be able to travel and play with my grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
To those who are decades younger than Ellen, she offered advice for longevity. “Never stop moving and do some form of exercise,” said Ellen. “Get involved in a church, read scripture, be proactive with your health and establish a relationship with your healthcare provider.” Ellen encourages everyone to have regular health checkups and follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider for regular screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. “Helping others, socializing with friends and family and being involved in your community will also help you find purpose in your life and gives you a reason to get up every morning and enjoy life to its fullest,” concluded Ellen.
Ellen is proof that a number doesn’t have to tell you how old you feel. And we can bet when she celebrates her 80th birthday next month, she will celebrate with gusto and blow out her 80 candles with one, maybe two breaths!
Are you interested in becoming a superager? To learn more about maintaining your brain, vision, hearing, heart, kidney, liver, gut, musculoskeletal and sleep health as you age, sign up for Enjoy the Ride: Navigating a Longer, Healthier Life, at http://www.merithealthnatchez.com/enjoy-the-ride. We’ll also give away prizes every day to help you on “the road” ahead.
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