98-year-old retiree keeps returning to the alpine pasture

Arnold Zurkinden has spent every summer on an alpine pasture since retiring, and at 98 he still refuses to give up the tradition, SRF reports. His family now requires him to stay there with company.

Zurkinden, known as Noldi, lives alone in his farmhouse in Galteren near Tafers in the canton of Fribourg. Since his wife Marie died in 2012, his rabbits, cats and loyal dog Juno have kept him company. He manages his daily routine himself, reads the newspaper, cooks and still drives, although more cautiously than before. His family takes care of tasks he can no longer manage alone.

When he wants company, Zurkinden visits a nearby nursing home or makes a phone call. “That provides variety and leads to good conversations,” he says. His recipe for a contented life is to contribute something himself, have a good sense of humour and avoid complaining bitterly about other people.

For decades, Zurkinden has recorded his life in Wirz calendars, which contain information and tips for farmers as well as space for personal notes. Since 1956, he has written down who visited him, whether it rained or snowed, when his animals were brought into the stall and when the pastures were mown. The calendars allow him to check details such as milk prices from 70 years ago.

He also plays the accordion. Although he cannot read music, he performed for more than 20 years with the Düdingen traditional costume group. One of his favourite memories is playing several dances at the Kursaal in Bern for Switzerland’s highest-ranking officers.

Zurkinden’s family now includes eight children, 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He says the family had to learn how to manage money and preserve peace at home, adding that their solidarity helped them through difficult times.

The alpine summer remains particularly important to him. He does not need glasses, a hearing aid or a walking frame, and a year ago, at the age of 97, he was still climbing a ladder to repair the roof. His family became increasingly concerned and now allows him to spend the summer on the alpine pasture only when accompanied.

Zurkinden acknowledges that he can no longer work as long as before. He says he can manage a few hours in the stall, but eventually runs out of strength. Even so, he does not want to give up the alpine summer entirely.