Chap Tyler is the quintessential 20th-century man--he lived through the entire 100-year span. From his pinnacle of more than a century of successful living, Tyler has written a new book, The View from Age 100, published by the University of Delaware with a foreword by Michael Ginzberg, dean and Chaplin Tyler Professor of Business in the College of Business and Economics.

While much has been written and there are many studies about aging, Tyler points out in his book "the benefit of direct witness is largely lacking." He writes, "Having crossed the centenarian threshold, I'm acutely aware of being a 'case study' in my own right. That's what impelled me to write this book."

The View from Age 100 is a testimonial from someone who has made the most of the experiences and opportunities that life has brought him. Now 103 years old (nearly 104), Tyler says that being this age has advantages--"You live in a different world where you are not trying to please anyone. You are truly liberated and are yourself."

Although Tyler devotes a chapter in the book to "Life Expectancy and Life Span," the book is focused mostly on Tyler's own career and the lessons he has learned. He devotes several chapters to his 60-year career, which he began as a research assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then held an editorial position at McGraw Hill, moving on to different positions with the DuPont Co., followed by a corporate consulting position with Coca Cola until he was more than 80 years old.

Interspersed in the book is advice on pursuing careers in business, including a chapter on "Seven Memorable Bosses" and another on "14 Guideposts to Career Success."

One of his last assignments with Coca Cola was to research aging issues and how people could live productive and enjoyable lives after retirement. Tyler recalls that he attended several conferences and workshops at different schools and institutions, becoming knowledgeable about gerontology.

"Actually," he says, "I think we should banish the concept of retirement. People don't 'retire.' They live life in a different way, with different interests, different employers, and use their capabilities to benefit society and to enrich their lives."

In the book, Tyler gives advice on aging well, writing that while "genetics and good luck are the facts over which we lack control," there are several practical things individuals can do to promote active, healthy lives--moderate exercise, a routine for sleeping, good nutrition, no smoking, moderate drinking and regular check-ups to detect any health problems. He also discusses retirement communities, particularly Cokesbury Village, near Hockessin, Del., where he lives.

But, most importantly "one must have a continuing and consuming interest in some worthwhile activity,' he writes. Tyler's own interest is business education, and he has interacted with UD's College of Business and Economics for many years.

He also gives advice on investing in the stock market and emphasizes what he calls the 11th commandment--giving, not only financially but of yourself.

He touches on the spiritual as well. In the book, Tyler writes, "While the physical senses fade...the spiritual senses become more acute. We reflect increasingly on God's handiwork...."

In his book, Tyler reports that since the age of 95, it's been "gently downhill in stamina, hearing and sight." That, however, has not stopped his interest in life and what's going on in the world, although he now uses a wheelchair. He is well-informed about current events and says he hopes he'll be around to see what happens.

Tyler is the author of other books based on his business experience-- Chemical Engineering Economics, which appeared in four editions in 40 years; Managing Innovation with Edwin Gee of the DuPont Co.; and Building for Success in Business: Your Mid-Career Years, published by UD in 1996.

A graduate of Northeastern University in chemical engineering, from Box University in business administration and from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as science master in chemical engineering, Tyler is a member of the Visiting Board of the College of Business and Economics. In 1993, he was presented with UD's Medal of Distinction, the highest award the University bestows, given to persons who have made humanitarian, cultural, intellectual or scientific contributions to society, achieved noteworthy success in their professions or given significant service to the University, community, state or region.

--Sue Moncure