America's Oldest Man Keeps Rolling

CBS Evening News: At Age 112, Walter Breuning Has Good Health And Every Last Marble

(CBS)  When Walter Breuning was born, he could expect to live 40-something years.

And he did.

Then he did it again ... and now he's doing it a third time.

Lots of people, including Jay Leno, have wanted an interview with Breuning. But no one wanted to travel all the way to Great Falls, Mont., to get it -- and that was the deal.

That is except for CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman, who figured, at age 112, the Oldest Man In America deserved to have people come to him.

What makes Breuning such a sought after interview is that he can be interviewed.

Typically by the time somebody gets to be the oldest man or woman in America, they either can't hear you or they answer every question with some crazy non sequitur about yesterday's lunch. But Breuning still has every last marble. He still remembers his grandfather talking about fighting in the war -- the Civil War.

He's the only man left born during the Cleveland administration. He can say where he was when President McKinley got shot, and went to school when America was being led by Theodore Roosevelt.

Under Taft, he got a job working with the railroad, earning $2.50 a week. "How do you like that?" Breuning asks today.

He signed up to serve in World War I but never got called. And by the time World War II rolled around, he was already too old.

Walter was married for 35 years, but his wife Agnes been dead for more than half a century. They never had any kids - and he never took a second wife.

Breuning says, "Second marriages never work. Even first marriages don't work today."

He now lives in an assisted living center, but needs no assistance. Once a week, weather permitting, he goes out and does errands.

"I go to the store and bank," he explains.

It wasn't necessarily Hartman's idea to get video of Breuning on his scooter for this story.

When he did, Breuning's friend Fred Feifer, a local weather man who set up the interview, helped save the 112 year old from rolling off the curb.

Apparently, bright sun blinds him. But other than that and some slight hearing difficulties, Breuning's in perfect health. He's not on any medicine and normally watches what he eats. He credits his longevity to diet.

"Especially if you keep that weight off there," he says. "Keep that weight off."

Says Breuning, "You come back in 4 or five years and I think I'll be here."

[cofcguy]

I've written a novel called "Sarah Conrad of Eagle Creek." Its about a 16 year old girl growing up in Montana in the year 1910. One of her friends is 14. That means, Walter could have been a character in my book. Amazing. You can listen to it on YouTube.

[MontanaJose]

I live in the Great Falls area. The weatherman at the local cbs station knows Mr. Breuning very well. Not too long ago he did a story with him and other people who lived through the Great Depression. I watched the stories and they were very well done. They have all of their full interviews on their website: http://montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=10077652

[estanczak]

Mr. Bruening deserved some respect not the condescending attitude that was exhibited in your piece. The opportunity to learn from a lucid 112 year old American would have made a compelling feature. Instead you found it acceptable to show his frailty rather then his wisdom. Surely this gentleman has a perspective on current events that would have been insightful - none of this was explored. What an opportunity lost.

[toldyouso29]

Seriously... I thought this was going to be an article about the continued viability of the Mississippi river. "Old man river...it just keeps rollin'...it keeps on rollin...along...tote that bar, lift that bail...." (Showboat) :)

[djlrweotnweoait]

I agree that Mr. Hartman was totally disrespectful talking about elderly people having all their marbles or not being able to hear what you say. Apparently, he has never had a loved one who has alzheimer's or senile dementia. I thought it was very rude, to say the least and feel he doesn't have a clue as to what some family members go through as their loved ones age.

[midge628]

I had a smile on my face throughout the interview. What a wonderful man!, and a great story. Having worked with the elderly, I was so happy to his amazing to hear his story.
I'm going to Great Falls on Thursday April 30th. I would love to know where he lives so that I could talk to him. What a national treasure this man is. Thank you Steve Hartman for bring this gentleman into my life through your report.

[K-Ben]

Mr. Bruening's interview had me riveted and smiling throughout. Perhaps it was his likeness to my own Father, in "dressing up for a public appearance," his stature, his love of life and living, his steadfast love of his wife, and all that he shared. Just a fantastic clip, uplifting and noteworthy. A great way to start my early Sunday morning! If I am ever in Great Falls, Montana, I would be more than humbled to meet and visit Mr. Bruening. I salute you for a wonderful, long & prosperous life. Karen R. Bennington, Major/Retired US Air Force, San Antonio, Texas.

[Slrman]

This shows what living with low stress, eating right and exercising can do for you. Unfortunately, most Americans are too lazy, too under the spell of the fast-food industry and the medical community to do it. That's OK, let them die. There's way too many people in the world anyway.

[Ostrobothnian]

The Human interest story tonight really made my day ..
Although I do find it odd, to have to remark , how older people give diffuse comments etc.

Mr Hartman probably would sure have missed this Gentleman,had it not been the local weatherman . Kudos to him !!!... and all of us ,who still try to talk to our elders .
. I do concur with the comment( above) that- this man is a living national treasure..
But again, why wait 4-5 years to visit him again.
Go back get his views and advice for example of the Great Depression.
. I'd even love a weekly ' Walter's comment ' ..end keep him inside- maybe by the fireplace, a la 'fireside chats' ..

[bbpkr]

A Hearty AMEN, debinok1 !

[underdogcity]

To live that long and still be healthy! You go Walter...hmm, but I do wonder if not remarrying or having kids has lessened the stress and added to your longevity. LOL, I personally think that is probable!

[dbstevens]

WHOOPS! In the post below I said "Mr. Breuning is rather disrespectful." I meant Mr. Hartman!!!!

[dbstevens]

What a great person Mr. Breuning is! So few people realize how wonderful the elderly can be if you treat them like people. Mr. Breuning is rather disrespectful...it seems to me that he shares misconceptions and prejudices about the elderly with a lot of misinformed people. Disorientation and confusion because of the aging process are NOT "crazy" and their mental faculties are NOT "marbles." With just the slightest bit of patience and empathy, conversations with our elders can be incredibly heartlifting, rewarding and educational. I look after my 87 year old Aunt, who forgets what's transpired every 10 minutes or so. But with patience, respect and a little guidance, there are so many wonderful stories, philosophies and advice you can share. I regularly approach her for advice about things, even if I have to tell her a few times what we're talking about. She always picks up the thread, and I leave feeling enlightened and LOVED. And in return, I hope I give her some happiness and a feeling that she is still vital and appreciated. I would love to know Mr. Breuning.

[daviddaphne]

great story. a little surprised by the ending, suggesting this gentleman would talk to any reporter, but most woudn't go to montana. why? i mean this man is a true national treasure. this may say more about the mentality of the reporters, than the american public who remain hungry for what is real , and truly newsworthy.

[watsonrehab]

Steve - that is MR. Breuning to you. As for "they either can't hear you or they answer every question with some crazy non sequitur about yesterday's lunch" what insolent disrespect to your elders.

[debinok1]

Wow, 112 and still going. Good for him. Our older people are part of our history and can teach us so much if we would only take the time and listen.