Aging in America

Okay, we all age, and that's not too bad. Like my Dad used to say, "consider the alternative." We have all seen programs and ads on TV about the 'golden years.' Well, that may be a bit of a stretch.

To those who think they will keep working until they are in their 70s, good luck with that. You best hang on to what ever job you have for dear life, because the days of older folks getting a nice, easy part-time job are gone. If you are older and looking for that little job to bring in some money and fill your hours, you will be competing with folks from 16 to 55 who need that bit of cash to feed their families and, guess what? You lose, and in fairness, I understand that. Why should an employer train you for a job you won't keep for more than a few years and are not likely to take seriously, when they can get a young healthy, eager, person who might stay for years.

For example, I have a lot of experience working in food service. While living in a college town, I tried to get a job, just a few hours a week, and there were openings, but I never found one and wondered why. Then, in a flash, I figured it out. The customers were mostly college kids. Given a choice between a 60 year old, gray haired, chubby man or a cute young boy or girl. who would you hire? The young person, obviously. Even though I had much more experience and could work circles around most of them, their youth was the clincher. Makes sense to me.

Also, you have insurance and workman's comp issues. It is far easier and less expensive to insure young folks. Another factor is the unwillingness of older workers to change their way of working. We do get set in our ways and it is hard to change the way you have worked for years to accommodate a new boss.

So, when you age, you have a problem when it comes to working and let me honest, those images of old folks playing golf and cards and attending dinners and shows are not realistic, unless you have much money. Even then, recreation, as a steady diet, gets damn boring.

So, what to do? Answer; re-invent yourself. Change your habits, try to find new interests, and then do something, anything. If you try something and it doesn't work, or you lose interest, try something else, or try several things. Keep your mind sharp. Turn off the TV and the Computer and get outside and move around. If something you are interested is marketable, sell, it. You won't get rich, but you likely will have fun. Or, give what you make away; folks love little gifts. Or volunteer, teach kids, help those who need help, work at an animal shelter. Whatever you want to do, go for it.

Keep going, keep changing, keep learning, and don't stop until you just can't keep going. Then, you can sit back and think about all the good you did, all the fun you had, and even then, always be ready to share, to talk with others about all you have seen and done and learned.

And, to all you younger folks. America does something inexcusable, shameful. We are the culture that has decided that youth is all that matters. Look at the ads and TV shows, the emphasis is on youth. Youth is great, but to overlook the beauty and wisdom of the elderly is a grave mistake, one that the rest of the world doesn't make. Remember, one day, if all goes well, you too will be old and what goes around, comes around.