Sharon Textor-Black

Sharon Textor-Black embodies a lifelong interest in writing and of seeking the best philosophies to live by. These two passions collided as her grandmother Elsa Brehm Hoffmann, whom Sharon is very close to, became a national celebrity at age 100. All who meet, or even just hear about stunning and active Elsa, want to know as much as they can about her positive aging and positive living philosophies. Seeing how Elsa was such an inspiring role model for others motivated Sharon. The author wanted to spread the "secrets" Elsa uses that people constantly are inquiring about. The book became an invitation and guidebook for people to live more joyously. Elsa's desire to make at least one person happier everyday would be compounded beyond her wildest dreams with this project.

It all started as Elsa approached 100 years of age in 2007. Sharon soon found herself immersed in writing copy about Elsa. It began with various local print media and a centenarian website. Then requests came in directly from ABC. Sharon even arranged for Elsa to speak to a very enthusiastic elementary school audience of youngsters. Elsa was interviewed by Barbara Walters on the blockbuster April 2008 longevity special entitled "How to Live to 150 - Can You Do It?" Dr. Michael Brickey interviewed Elsa on his podcast in August 2008 and spring of 2009. Mrs. Hoffmann is also featured on the Adler Centenarians website, Inspire Me Today website, Voice of America with Lynn Adler, JD and Dr. Perls, and honors have been presented to her from three southeastern Florida cities. You can see photos and videos of Elsa on the Elsa's Own Blue Zone book website.

The author's prior years of documenting family stories, writing some news articles related to positive aging, and even publishing some poetry, were a mere warm-up for the whirlwind Elsa stirred up. As several of these media contacts encouraged Sharon to write more, she made the decision to put it all in book form. She quite naturally took on the task of sharing Elsa's insights to the delight of Elsa's fans, and for all those seeking a "real person" example of positive aging and living. Whereas longevity is often studied in primitive locations, this book is especially insightful because it concentrates on living well and long within the joys and challenges of our modern world.

Holding a B.A. in English from Rutgers College of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Sharon was well-prepared to use the skills learned from there. In addition, she is a Baby Boomer who can easily incorporate how Elsa's philosophies can help this age group in addition to Seniors. The author hopes to not only inspire people with Elsa's example, but bring to light more respect and attention to our invaluable seniors. Just as we seem to know more about the moon than our deep seas when concentrating on both would be optimal, Sharon's hope is that we not only continue to expand our knowledge of other lands and peoples, but share in understanding, knowledge and love within our American multi-generations.

Sharon worked for almost 20 years in large corporations in the NY and NJ area, but she also held sales jobs in such diverse places as a spa and water park/ski resort. Although some of her corporate jobs were quite fulfilling, such as a Service Specialist at Merrill Lynch in NJ and as part of the Northeast Distribution Center Management Team at Baxter Healthcare in NY, Sharon is most happy now owning and operating a business with her husband Mike in South Florida.

Concentrating on career first, from college graduation through most of her thirties, is something many Boomers can relate to. Sharon did not marry until her late 30's. At 40, she and her husband Mike started a new business from scratch. At 44, Sharon and Mike adopted two beautiful little girls. She has not let her age deter her from plans others may see as reserved for those years younger. One can see how Elsa's extraordinary example has definitely enhanced Sharon's life in big ways.

The author's work was obviously inspired by her grandmother Elsa, however there is more. Sharon's uses her own personal stories from family, the adoptions of her children, the workplace, and additional strategies she studied from great luminaries of our time to compliment Elsa's insights. In addition, no book by a "Boomer" would be complete without some real life humor, so that's all in there, too.

Seniors and Boomers alike will relate to this work, learning more positive living and positive aging strategies along the way. As we all continue to live longer, these philosophies become more and more vital to our happiness. Let Elsa's 100 years of fulfilling living delight and inspire you!