Grandparents most likely to be rocking the vote
As the political season heats up, literally, seniors are playing a prominent role in the political process. This is, in part, because seniors have long been considered a group likely to vote and in an age of voter indifference that is more important than ever. And our numbers are growing.
It is estimated by AARP (not my favorite group these days) that by the time the baby boomers reach fifty in 2010, more than one-third of the U.S. population will be 50 or older. In past days, some of us used to take our children with us when we went to vote. Now that so many seniors are voting by mail, perhaps we should start a custom of arranging for our grandchildren to watch us fill out our mail-in ballot.
Who knows – it might lead to a discussion of the politics affecting them as well.
A curriculum has been developed by Dr. Robert Hudson, Chair of the Social Welfare Policy, Boston University, which assesses public policy on aging. He points out that in the aggregate, the older population is better off than has historically been the case. But well-being among the aged continues to be highly uneven, “perhaps the most dramatic comparison being that of the 4 percent poverty rate of young white men, in contrast to the greater than 40 percent poverty rate among the very old African-American women.” Government policy has done very little to reduce inequality among the old. Certainly health care related needs have not been addressed satisfactorily and that may bring new voters to the polls.
So, how old is old?
It may be that 50 will soon be used as an indicator of senior status. A recent lawsuit filed against Google in California claims that the director of operations was fired because he didn’t fit into a culture emphasizing “youth and energy.” The director is 54 years old. Ouch!
Surfing – Webs not waves
If you are 55 or older, you are eligible to enroll in one of the Institute for Extended Learning seniors computer classes, beginning this month. Held at 4410 N. Market in Hillyard, classes are inexpensive and there are even some scholarships available. For more information, call Pat Freeman at 279-6023. Pat has done an impressive job of administering the Seniors Programs for years.
Granny chic
On a fashion-note: the August issue of Vogue focuses on older women and has an article describing the latest fashion trend, “granny chic.” That sounded like something I could manage so I read on until I found this definition: “gray cardigan sweaters with as many mine-cut diamond brooches” as you can lay on. Alas, I don’t own any gray cardigan sweaters. But if you are in the mood to try it, be on the lookout for crocheted capelets, pearl buttoned gloves and all manner of fur tippets. Tippets are hard to describe but you know them when you see them.
Celebrate
Women’s Equality Day, Thursday, Aug. 26th, the day upon which women earned the right to vote, will be observed with a no-host picnic in Comstock Park, 6-8 p.m. Music, speakers and a time to reflect that on August 26, 1920, Tennessee was the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment by a single vote (cast by a young legislator whose mother insisted he vote the “right way.”). Everyone is welcome!
And on a final note, I just discovered “Late Fragment” by Raymond Carver:
“And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth.”