The Cruel But Hilarious Joke That Is "Growing Old"
I'm no expert on aging. By most accounts, at age 36, I'm not old. But recent events have mad me think about getting older and what that means to me, and to Baby Boomers like my mother. My mom turns 60 next week, an age that always seemed to be the beginning of "old" to me. Visions of retirement, gray hair, grandchildren & condos in Florida come to mind. But that isn't the case anymore, is it? Yes, my mother is a grandmother, she is semi-retired and I am sure she has some gray she colors out each month (sorry mom!). But, like many people her age, she is a vibrant, independent and truly youthful person. I still don't think of her as old. I am sure many people out there who have reached 60 don't feel old either. Your bodies may feel a little rough around the edges,
but your mind is still charging ahead. I mean, my mom didn't want a quilt or some new knitting needles for her birthday. Llike most mothers, she dutifuly declared she didn't need anything. But when pressed, do you know what she wanted? TiVo. Yes, my mother is interested in time-shifting her favorite TV shows around her busy schedule. How wonderfully "elderly" of her.
There have been countless articles over the past 5 years about the aging population, Baby Boomers retiring and the changing face of our nation. You can read the stories just about everywhere. I've read some of them myself, and we are surely going to see some shifts in our society. But I won't bore you with my poorly-informed opinion. If you're like me (or like my mother), though, and you want more information on what it means to age in our society in the 21st century, the library has resources that can help you. Check out our Senior Links page online to start. If you have more questions, just call the Library (616-988-5400) or stop by and visit us yourself. We have databases on Health, Technology, Genealogy, Adult Education and more. And hundreds of books on aging and related topics. Even programming your TiVo. We even have a staff dedicated to helping you find what you need. So start right now online, but feel free to visit us in person.
Just like your mother used to do.