The old saying, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’ applies to 76-year-old Artie Lynnworth. The resident of the Wellington Bay senior living community has written three self-help books, mentors younger businesspeople and teaches tai chi at the retirement community.
The former gymnast can also still do cartwheels, handstands and walk on his hands — and he’s eager to demonstrate.
Lynnworth has been just as active in his retirement as he was in his business career. He worked 40 years in the chemical industry, rising to become a senior vice president, managing departments, chemical plants and business offices around the world. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering administration from Syracuse University.
“I quickly gravitated to leadership,” said Lynnworth about his career that led him and Margy, his wife of 54 years, to live in Chile for nearly 10 years.
Upon retiring, Lynnworth wanted to spread some of the tips he’d learned about succeeding in business and life. His first book is called Slice the Salami: Tips for Life and Leadership, One Slice at a Time, which he first envisioned as a book solely about business.
“My sister-in-law edited the book, and she said, ‘I’m not a business leader, but I wish I’d had this book for tips about life,’” he recalled.
The book, which has been translated into Spanish, covers how to make small changes to better manage your time, succeed in your job and achieve work-life balance. Lynnworth likens his advice to consuming salami. Eating one slice of salami at a time is easier than biting into the whole thing.
Another of his books, Get Fit and Stay Fit for Life, is an easy-to-read guide for incorporating fitness into one’s life. It features 1,000 photos that readers can follow, and instructions for brief workouts. No equipment is needed, and it all can be done at home. Lynnworth’s third self-help book is Tips for Résumés and Interviews, All in One Hour.
Any money Lynnworth receives from the purchase of his books is donated to Team Randy, a nonprofit organization that provides day camp experiences for children with disabilities. It was founded to honor his nephew, Randy, who died of brain cancer.
“It’s a very good cause,” Lynnworth said. “And people who buy my books know the proceeds are going to a good cause, not to my back pocket.”
Another of Lynnworth’s activities is mentoring businesspeople. He volunteers with Menttium, an organization that started 30 years ago. It was originally geared toward advancing women in the workplace, but now serves both men and women worldwide.
“Several people I’ve mentored have gotten promotions during the year I mentored them,” he said. “I love to coach, mentor and counsel. That’s also why I wrote my books.”
Another of his activities is leading tai chi classes at Wellington Bay, which helps participants improve their fitness and balance. “Balance is so important for the senior community,” he said. “If you break your hip, it’s often the start of a downward spiral.”
It’s gratifying for Lynnworth to see others maintaining their functionality.
He appreciates that the leadership at Wellington Bay is supportive of residents suggesting and leading classes such as tai chi.
“There are people who set up poker nights, bocce, shuffleboard or pickleball,” he said. “It’s residents helping residents.”
Lynnworth also recently participated in the Liberty Senior Games, a series of competitions that challenge residents and creates comradery and fun.
Lynnworth, who was a gymnast in high school and college, helped lead a cheer for the participants and topped it off with a cartwheel.
Cartwheels aside, he credits Wellington Bay with providing an atmosphere that encourages residents to stay active and engaged.
“Wellington Bay is luxurious, with an atmosphere that inspires wellness, growth and community,” he said. “We’re like a large family here, enjoying this special time in our lives.”
Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments on a palm tree-shaded campus in Wellington. It offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Lisbet Health Center, located onsite, offers assisted living and memory care. Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.
