This profile is part of KCUR’s occasional series, Aging in Place. We’re showcasing the many different faces of 64 in metro Kansas City.
Name: Marc Inzerillo
Residence: Kansas City, Missouri
Occupation: “I’m a hairstylist, and I’ve been that for 42 years. It’s a) creative and b) people are always fun. When you do someone’s hair, you’re not only dealing with what they perceive that they see in the mirror, but you see how they see themselves. So you have an impact on that, and I think that’s really important to give people the best outlook you could give them.”
What does 64 feel like? “It feels like I am still young. I don’t feel 64. You mentally never feel your age, I don’t think. I’m pretty active, I’m pretty on-the-go, I don’t have a lot of downtime, so I just keep going. Energy is everything.”
What’s the biggest surprise or disappointment for you at this stage in your life? “I’m really not surprised by much of anything. I just take it all in stride. I’m not really disappointed in anything because I think anything life hands you, you just deal with and move forward. I think it’s pretty much the attitude I’ve always had. I think life deals you a hand, and how you play that card, what you end up with, you just move forward and go on to the next thing.”
When do you think you’ll retire and what will that look like? “Work is called work, but as long as it’s fun to do and you’re enjoying the people you interact with, then I want to keep doing it.”
Do you plan to spend the rest of your life in the KC area? “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I like Kansas City. I think Kansas City is great. I’d love to be in a warmer climate, but we don’t have bad winters here, so I think that’s wonderful.”
What’s your biggest worry? “Everyone’s worry is financial, whether you’ll have enough money to do all the things you want to do when you do retire because your income and money flow starts to depreciate as you get older. You (have to) cut back on things and enjoy life as it is.”
Do you feel you get the support you need from your family, friends and community? “Oh, I think you get more as you get older. You get wiser. The friends you end up with at an older age are the friends that will be there for a long period of time.”
What’s on your bucket list? “More travel. See more of the United States, Europe, different places. Not especially anywhere. Just a little taste of everything. That would be great.”
What do you think is the defining moment of your generation? “I don’t have an answer. I don’t have a clue.”
What’s your favorite song? “Oh, well, I’m a piano player as well as a hairdresser, so when I perform, I always end with my favorite song, ‘Over the Rainbow.’”
Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.
