Hedda Batwin
93, No Plans To Retire Anytime Soon
When the pandemic began to hit the U.S. back in March, many doctors and news outlets emphasized the fact that we needed to protect those whose age put them at risk. At 93, Hedda Batwin is technically part of this group. But her lively spirit, active lifestyle, and persistent career would have you believing otherwise. Many people in Hedda's life have come to adore her for her positive outlook and determination. We get a glimpse of these qualities during this interview.
As we talked, Hedda reflected on the importance of family, leading a healthy lifestyle, and how both of these things have enabled her to continue working, learning, and dancing at this stage of her life.
Photographed and Interviewed by Alexandra Cali
Getting To Know Hedda
November 11, 2020
Alexandra Cali: What do you do for a living?
Hedda Batwin: I'm a nutritionist that works with patients who have high cholesterol levels. I give them a diet that keeps their triglycerides from going up.
AC: How long have you been doing this?
HB: 40 years!
AC: That's amazing! How did you first know this was something you wanted to pursue career wise?
HB: Well when I was younger, I was a pre-med student at NYU. I graduated in 1948. It was around that time that my identical twin sister got married. I wanted to go to medical school, but my mother told me I should also have marriage on my mind. So, I got married and had three kids. When the last one was leaving for college, I decided to go back to Columbia University to get my Masters in Nutrition and Public Health.
AC: It's wonderful that you were able to find your way back to what you loved after having kids! What does your job look like these days?
HB: I work out of New York City. I see a lot of little kids who have genetic problems that can be somewhat offset by specific diets. I help come up with a plan that works well for them, so that their overall quality of life improves. It's amazing what a change in diet can do for people.
AC: Are you able to see your young patients in person?
HB: With the pandemic, we have to do our appointments over Zoom. I set up the Zooms all by myself, and I'll see patients throughout the day.
AC: That's impressive! Before the pandemic, were you commuting into Manhattan?
HB: I was! I would get up at 4AM, get on a train at 5:30AM, and head into New York City. I would take the subway, the bus, and then walk to my office. I love and miss it so much.
"When people hear about my career, they tell me I'm an inspiration. I just want to show people that it's possible to keep working at this age, so long as your body and mind are healthy. I don't ever want to retire. My job brings me too much joy."
The Importance of Family
AC: Your daily schedule looks so different now that you no longer commute! Have you been spending more time with your family?
HB: I have my three wonderful children. They are always asking me how they can help, but I try to be as independent as I can. I like how I feel when I'm doing things on my own, but I appreciate how attentive they are to me.
AC: How have you guys been staying in touch lately?
HB: We text all the time on family group chats. I was always a photographer when I was younger, and I do a lot of that on the iPhone. I share my life with them through texts and pictures, because I'm proud of myself.
AC: What sort of images do you share with them?
HB: I take a lot of pictures of my friends from the gym. They're so colorful, I feel like it's a lot of fun for people to look at.
AC: I've noticed you have a lot of photographs in your home!
HB: I do. It's all photos of my family. You can see us at different stages of life. I have these pictures of me and my twin sister where we are both on the beach. It's hard to tell who's who, but of course I know. I love having pictures out and remembering trips to the beach or weddings. It keeps the memories and the people I love somewhat present in my life.
AC: When you look at those images, do they elicit a specific emotion?
HB: I think love and hope are two of the most powerful emotions we can experience. Without them, it can be difficult to navigate life. When I see all the faces of the people I care about, I feel so good. And it's something small. But it brings a big smile to my face, and I feel loved and hopeful.
Reflecting On Her Changing Reality
AC: I know that you are a very social person. Whether you're in the workplace or out running errands, you connect so well with others! Has adjusting to social distancing been hard?
HB: Not really. If I want to talk to someone, I pick up the phone to call or text people. I don't feel alone at all.
AC: We've become so reliant on technology lately because in-person contact must be limited. What do you think about that?
HB: I don't mind. Like I was saying earlier, I set up all my Zoom meetings with patients. Sometimes I'll have patients who don't speak English, and I'll conference in a translator to help. I feel like I'm pretty advanced for my age. I even attend lectures over Zoom about new developments in my field. I never want to stop learning, and technology has made that possible.
AC: You are great at adapting to new situations! Have you always been that way?
HB: I know that I can meet any challenge put before me. I've lived through a lot of different things. Most recently, I've lived through this pandemic and having Trump as our President. I can't wait for him to leave, he has mismanaged so many things. But I try to not get caught up on negative things. I'm always just glad to have weathered a storm.
AC: You have lived through some pretty incredible historical events. Is there anything you've experienced that compares to what we are facing today?
HB: I was attending NYU when we found out World War II had ended. I remember how joyful everyone in the city was. We celebrated in the streets. When the pandemic ends, I think that's how our country will react.
Staying Active During COVID
AC: When you're not working, what do you like to do?
HB: I spend a lot of time in the gym and doing Zumba. I try and do something active every day of the week. Before the pandemic, I was part of Equinox and I would take up to 3 hours of classes. Now I take dance classes over Zoom, and I participate in outdoor workshops. We all stand 6 feet apart and learn different dance and exercise combinations. I can still run and jump. It makes me so happy, because I feel strong afterwards.
AC: Speaking of dancing, I understand that you were recently featured on a TV show for your skills!
HB: Oh yes. I was on a Lifetime show called Dance It Out. They feature dancers who they find to be inspiring. They don't expect someone of my age to be jumping around so much.
AC: That's amazing! What compels you to say yes to opportunities like that?
HB: People ask me that a lot, because they think it takes a lot of courage or confidence. But I think it all comes from my mother. She never let us sit still. Why not try something new? I would be doing something I love, just in front of more people.
AC: What do you love most about dancing?
HB: I think you feel good when you are moving around. When you're young, it's easy to take things for granted. But as you get older, you learn the value of being able to do small things on your own. I can still walk and even drive myself to wherever I need to be. It's just about taking care of your body. Dancing helps me do that, and stay agile in other ways.
AC: It sounds like the nature of what you do for a living has really influenced your own lifestyle.
HB: Oh yes. My father died at fifty two from heart disease. I'm very much aware of my own heart health and what could happen. Here I am, showing how lifestyle changes can really make a difference.
AC: You are such an inspiring and hopeful force. Who inspires you?
HB: I learned all of this from my mother. She was a nutritionist, way ahead of her day. She always had fresh vegetables and fruits, and she wanted us to be as active as possible. She's one of the reasons I still dance. I know it makes her proud.
