Here’s the second part of my 19th anniversary column.
Dear readers. This week is a continuation of my 19th annual anniversary column describing what I have learned from our readers this past year. Ageism and insensitivity: One reader intends to call out those who demean older adults, speaking on behalf of the “beautiful, talented and intelligent (older people) who have contributed so much to what America stands for today.” A 77-year old reader disagreed with my description of ageism as a public health crisis, urging older people to stop whining. An older reader was stunned when a checkout clerk at a grocery store gave her unsolicited advice. The clerk wanted to know why she was buying a particular magazine. The reader responded the magazine had an article about getting a good night’s sleep. The clerk replied, “You (just) need to get more exercise, YOUNG LADY” and urged her to do yardwork, even though this 81-year old woman was using a walker. Another reader indicated that her sister in her 80s experienced age discrimination when she wanted to adopt a five-year-old dog. According to the reader, she filled out 25 animal-shelter applications and was turned down because of her age. Keeping busy: When preparing for retirement, a friend asked a reader to describe his retirement program. His response, “I’ve had a program since first grade. Now is my time to do as I please…and that’s what I do every day.” Another noted she was retired from the financial services industry for 15 years and when others ask what she does, she replies, “As little as possible,” realizing that leisure is a gift.
