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Aging Gracefully in an Uncertain World
Growing old should be a positive experience. How can we make those years positive
and productive?
by Graemme Marshall
When 77-year-old John Glenn blasted off into space aboard he space shuttle Discovery, the positive aspects of graceful aging were clearly evident.
The United Nation General Assembly has designated 1999 as the International Year
of Older Persons. This shows a significant shift in Western society attitudes towards
sympathizing with aging and the elderly. Recognition of their value is long overdue.
Calling Out the Gray Army
Retirement at an ever-earlier age is spawning a far-reaching trend. It results
in a huge pool of still vigorous men and women too often involved in a restless floating
about the country. Some occupy themselves with part-time jobs or self-employment
as they search for effective meaning to this vital stage of their lives.
As governments' deficit spending eats away at the value of retirement programs, a
gray army emerges of still-capable workers who need to pay ever-present bills--now
even into their 90s.
In some parts of the world - in particular the Indian subcontinent as well as in Asia,
China and South America--the economic value of older people seems better appreciated.
Because of cultural and economic necessity, many of the so-called underdeveloped
countries still value senior citizens. Though walking into the sunset of their lives,
many maintain fitness, health and their mental abilities.
Perhaps such countries are ahead of the affluent West. Society should see the need
to treat golden-agers with more dignity, recognizing that they need not be shunted
off into nursing homes for the aged.
Human Laboratory on Aging
An astronaut for the second time, John Glenn is a shining example of what social
scientists have learned about aging gracefully. Mr. Glenn, astronaut and former United
States senator, blasted into space on a nine-day mission last October, 36 years from
when he became the first American to orbit the earth. Now he holds the record for
being the oldest man in space.
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