Meet Socrates G. Cretekos, nicknamed "Odg." It's a miracle this Greek-American from Tarpon Springs, Florida, lived to tell his story, 77 years after landing at Normandy on D-Day. Odg knows it as an eye witness who led and lost men through the landing, then helped free Paris, rescued skeleton-like prisoners at Dachau, and suffered two wounds along the way. He doesn't look like a history-making hero, but he's the kind of guy the book "The Greatest Generation" was written about.

Having a reason to get up in the morning can make life more meaningful, enjoyable — and even add years to that life. It's one of the secrets for positive aging. There's even research to prove it. Maybe your reason to bounce out of bed is an energizing hobby. Or the soul enrichment found in volunteering to help others. Or it could be the satisfaction of fulfilling work — like Dan the blacksmith, the seemingly ageless artisan in our latest episode.

In the early 70s, busloads of flower children trekked cross- country from Haight-Ashbury to the sticks. With no agricultural experience, they brought nothing but grit and determination to make a go of farming. And the goal of building a utopian refuge of peace and love. True to their communal philosophy, they signed a Vow of Poverty giving up everything they owned for the common good. But instead of being soured by hard work and setbacks, they made a success of it. Just not the kind they even remotely expected.