Magic number? 65!

My television idol, Patty Duke, turned 65 last week. She shared her experience of filing for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Duke - Anna Pearce in real life - has been a spokesperson for Social Security, telling boomers to enroll for benefits online - via their laptops, in their pajamas, from the comfort of home.

Pearce was an idol for many girls in the ‘60s with her extroverted personality and tall, clunky boyfriend, Richard. I liked that she was definitely smarter than he was - a rare portrayal in that era.

While I have never met Pearce, I have tracked her career, her health challenges, her adoption advocacy and her involvement in Spokane theater. And when I turn 65, I will crawl into my red pajamas, log on and sign up for my benefits, too.

Happy birthday, Anna!

(S-R archives photo, courtesy of Patty Duke)