I suggest another strategy. Let’s go on the offensive and celebrate being seniors and reclaim the word, not shun it—like gay people have done with the word “queer” and some Jews with the word “Hebe.” What’s a term for endearment in the Black community? The N word!
I think it’s time to open the window and say “I’m glad as hell I’m old and I’m going to celebrate it because old is good! And if you don’t like it, get out of the way!”And while we’re at it, let’s start shattering the myth that we’re in a youth culture, that it’s better to be young. It just isn’t. If you reconciled a balance sheet of the assets vs. liabilities of the skills, knowledge, wisdom, life experience, physical ability, resources etc. — the full panoply of our portfolios as human beings — vis-à-vis the “portfolios” of twenty- and thirty- and forty-some things, your heart, I think, would have to go out to them, the poor dears.
In other words, when you take the full measure—even with our liabilities–older, on average, as the songwriter Stephen Sondheim wrote, is simply “better and stronger and deeper and nearer and simpler and freer and richer and clearer”— and more fulfilled than younger. They have more? How could they?!
Let’s also take a cue from those who have been the front-line champions of other movements and their rallying cries: “Black is beautiful.” “I am Woman; hear me roar.” “We’re here; we’re queer— get over it.” Old is Good. We like being old. Seniors are survivors! The elderly have been there, done that, and really know what life is about! And aging means becoming more human.
What could be better?
ElderChicks 
I have been singing that song for some time now. As I venture forward with the mission to expand our presence on the internet and the community at large, with all we have to offer, I have seen and talked to many in their “Third Trimester of Life” Every single person I’ve talked to says the same thing!! This is a wonderful time of life. I’m also committed to spreading that message to the generations that follow so they can look forward to what is ahead! Our age is our honor! When we are authentic and open and connected we all show the beauty that is us!!! Thanks so much Dick for this Great Post!
Hooray!
I must admit that now that I have turned 65 ,I am always irritated when someone my age is mentioned in the newspaper, radio or TV news as “senior” or elderly. Sure, I have two “new” knees and a few aches and pains but I certainly am not old or senior. My friends and I lead very active lives, most of them have not retired, or if they have they are looking for new careers.
I play golf in a league where I am still one of the” youngsters”and many of our member are still playing into their 80’s.
As far as I’m concerned 65 is the new 50.! I can’t wait till I grow up!
Most irritating is to be called “dear” by sales people. My reply? I am not your dear, but thank you for the service.
…and let that be said and heard over and over until those who need to get it…actually get it!! ; )
I missed this for a couple of weeks. Sorry to post such a late reply but I loved reading it.
Life before 65 is just practice.
The way I see it, you work hard for sixty-odd years, and then you finally get what you’ve been waiting for. I’m only about halfway there at this point. It seems like I’m never going to get there. But when I do… look out!
When I finally get there, I am going to eat fewer vegetables and go on cholesterol medication and save room for cake. I’m going to sleep all I want. I’m going to read all the books I never had time to read and write all the things I never had time to write.
I’m going to do only the things I want to do and spend time only with people I like.
I’m going to cultivate the deep internal dialogue that can only happen in periods of absolute stillness.
And I’ll never, ever get a blister from wearing high heels ever again.
I’m so happy to hear all these comments as my own group here in Tucson (and online) are saying exactly, exactly the same things. This is BIG!!! I think Leslie summed it up well “Everything before 65 is practice”. This is what we are all about now. I’ve been talking about this all year and most of last year too. No one I have talked with disagrees. That is a phenomenon! If anyone wants help starting a meetup group of their own on this topic, I’m here to help. Just connect with me via facebook, here or the web. I’m giving back and I’m happy!!!
Hi Leslie, love your enthusiasm. I agree with the idea of celebrating and am taking action in that arena. Can I quote one or two of your comments given here on my meetup group discussion page? Hope that’s an appropriate question, don’t know how else to get in touch.
In my little town in Florida we have a fund-raising luncheon committee whose members are sharing their “Wit and Wisdom of Aging!”
I really enjoyed reading your post, it was very informative and I have bookmarked your site for future reference. Thanks you very much