A View From Robin's Nest
May: Older American’s Month
Having the Time of Our Lives.
Senior Citizens Month or Older Americans Month?
Robin Hoselton
In 1963, President Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month. In 1980, President Carter changed it to Older Americans Month. I wonder why he felt the need to tweak the name. Did he think the term “senior” is offensive? It makes no difference to me since either one sounds better than “Geezer” or “Old Fart” or “Golden Ager” or “Elder” or “Old Coot” or “Over the Hill” Month.
This month is supposedly a time to celebrate those aged 65 and older and pay tribute to them. Since I’m in that age range, I’m somewhat dubious about those good intentions, even though I’m one of the first in line for any senior discount.
Getting older means getting wrinkles, liver spots, gray hair or loss of hair, decreased hearing, need for glasses, slower reactions, not as much agility, and forgetfulness. We should celebrate this?!?
On the bright side, I suppose living a long life is a decent tradeoff for bearing such nuisances. In 1908 the average life expectancy was 47 years. By 2011, 78 million baby boomers will begin to retire and, according to the Census Bureau, one of every nine will live to be at least age 90.
An article in USA Today says that baby boomers will be the wealthiest group of elderly in history. Although only 20% of the population, they will control 40% of the nation’s disposable income and 77 percent of private investments.
“It will be hard to ignore a population of this size and wealth,” says Jack Guralnik, chief of epidemiology and demography at the National Institute on Aging. “They are used to being heard and they are the ultimate consumers.”
Like a symbiotic relationship, our collective aging and the pursuit of the dollar feed on one another. Businesses profit from our infirmities, but make our lives easier with scooters, safety rails, magnifying glasses, pill reminders, large print books, canes, big button telephones, and Depends.
Jamie Lee Curtis, poster child for aging gracefully.
New technology is being developed for more sophisticated products. Examples include battery-powered vibrating shoes to prevent falls, radio transmitters in food packages which broadcast to computers to help choose foods based on medical needs, and all kinds of home and auto sensors.
The 2009 theme for this May is “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow.” I’ve decided to participate by letting my hair go gray. I can do more “living today” by spending the saved time on something I enjoy, and I’ll have a “better tomorrow” by spending the money, instead, on chocolate.
Besides, I can’t let down the vanguard of those changing our society’s perception of “older Americans.” With Jamie Lee Curtis as my role model, I can celebrate aging gracefully and indulge my laziness at the same time!
Tagged aging, Jamie Lee Curtis, seniors