Writer's block is not a problem for me. Something inevitably comes along to inspire or incense. Today it was a photo and letter, published on a social media site. In her letter the mother (who looks like her grandmother or great grandmother) asks her daughter's understanding and compassion. Those should be given, but, wait a moment. I am incensed. At seventy-three, I consider myself presentably well-heeled, well groomed, articulate, technically savvy, completely competent and, frankly, more au courant than many young people. Age, by definition, need not diminish us.
"Discrimination due to age is one of the great tragedies of modern life. The desire to work and be useful is what makes life worth living, and to be told your efforts are not needed because you are the wrong age is a crime." Johnny Ball
Retired, or not, I would ask elders neither to make resolutions in 2013, but to live one resolution: not to be quite so accepting of the limitations we place on ourselves. We do not have to drink the bitter dregs of decline without putting up a fight. Only by changing ourselves, can we end prejudicial treatment. If we want to be regarded as capable individuals, there is a price on the privilege. In other words, for us, as for younger people, we are not entitled.
First we can all work on our social skills, even though we live alone. There is absolutely no need to babble or repeat ourselves. Getting out into the community, socializing with people of diverse ages, volunteering, working ... all require the acquisition of interpersonal skills. I stress diversity here, because it is critical for growth.
Even less is there a need to simply accept encroaching physical weakness. Injury and illness occur. That said, people in chronic pain can improve pain management with yoga, practiced at an appropriate level. For reasonably well elders, fitness programs are available on public television, in various media formats for a small investment. Fitness facilities nationwide offer 'scholarships' available for men and women, who cannot otherwise afford them (YMCA fitness facilities are an example.) It is hard work, but it is part of not accepting the bitter dregs of age.
Among my elderly friends and neighbors few are computer literate, let alone technically savvy. With affordable, accessible broadband and the availability of inexpensive (or, at least, less expensive) equipment, this should have come to a screeching halt, but did not. Part of living in the present is acquiring telecommunications knowledge and skill. Like physical fitness programs, many community programs exist for the purpose of teaching computer literacy and more. These programs are inexpensive or free. Self-teaching is part of the equation, because there is nothing like hands-on experience in computing. I find it difficult to excuse seniors' reluctance to jump in and utilize the technology. Not to do so is isolating and limiting.
For elders who are computer savvy, get up-to-date with new concepts in computing. Again classes and courses are available for little or no money. Many state-funded colleges and universities offer senior citizens the ability to monitor or audit courses free of charge.
A brain at rest is a brain in decline. We can find learning opportunities, in addition to those we encounter in workplaces. BBC language courses are available online, free of charge. Take a class at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Available through MIT, free of charge or for a donation, is an array of timely open online courses. Course materials are generally available for little money or free from libraries.
I submit that, only by refusing the limitations placed on us by ignorance and bias, we empower others. How much better is this than begging anyone's indulgence?
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