When I think about the "isms" in our society, whether racism, sexism, etc., one of the underlying beliefs in our "isms" is that people in "that" group are all alike. So untrue in all cases and certainly when it comes to our elders. Think of the variety of life experiences we have and how that makes us who we are. The life experiences of our elders helps develop unique individuals with stories to tell.
Everybody really is different. My children tease me about being like my siblings or my parents yet at the same time they know I am unique in many ways. As I get closer to the "third stage" of my life I think about the "what now?" I certainly don't see this time as waiting to die. My life still has adventures ahead. I want to continue to grow, meet new people and interact with future generations. How I will choose to do this is still taking shape as it is for many people my age.
In the southern part of our country, the demographics have been heavily weighted with people over 50 for many years. They know who they need to serve and have taken on that responsibility. They talk freely about all the retirees coming from the Northeast and how as a university community they have to make an effort to serve them. I know our weather is not conducive to retirees but all of the country is getting older. What role do we want to play in serving the largest growing population?
Mary Oliver is a poet who puts into words so many of the ideas/thoughts we have in our lives. This one seems appropriate here:
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