I remember the day I became a “Senior Citizen.” It was my 62nd Birthday and I went to get my mail. An AARP booklet was in my mailbox before I even got one birthday card!   I felt impending doom when I realized I was no longer just a “citizen.” I rushed inside and immediately went into the bathroom to look in the mirror. Yes — it was true. I did look older than I did yesterday.

Even though I am really kidding about the shock of hitting 62, I did feel reflective. I thought about what I had accomplished in my life and what was still on my “to do” list. I wondered if I had missed my chances at so many things. I was being foolish.

There are approximately 62 million senior citizens living in the United States. This is quite an impressive number and the influence of that group is strongly felt in many areas such as voting, community action, the medical field, housing and entertainment. This group is expected to grow even larger with enlightened medical treatments that keep this age group healthy and vital. The 80+ population is projected to increase by 79% by 2030!

We all know that ageing brings with it some negative aspects such as various degrees of loss of mobility, senses, and health. We have to allow ourselves a little more time and patience. We’re still the same, but the “package” has changed. We are capable of learning and teaching. Our experiences on this earth both good and bad are not over until we close our eyes the final time. Until that day — we live.

Written for our internal newsletter, The Connector, by Doris Gant (Administrative Coordinator).