The New Seniors: Talking About My Generation

The Woodstock Generation – Photo McRae family

My generation was born after World War II. They called us the “baby boom”. They still call us “boomers”. We were the youth revolution of our time. I like to think of myself as the Woodstock generation though that might be a slightly smaller demographic. If like me, you are a hippie who moved to the Island in the 1970s and you are still here, we are the new seniors. Oh, I know, in spite of our grey hair and grandchildren we don’t think we are old. We reserve that honor for the courageous and honorable generation who fought and won World War II, our parents. But, time marches relentlessly onward and here we are, entering our senior years.

We are blessed to be coming into our senior years on this island. Although we have lost a few friends along the way, for the most part, thanks to modern medicine and healthy living most of us are still in pretty good shape and maintain active busy lives. We have an excellent variety of health care options, the best emergency care, good food, and many ways to enjoy the beauty of nature. We also have a fabulous senior center.

For only $20.00 you can become a member of the Mullis Center Senior Center and it is worth paying attention to the benefits available. Besides the well-known lunches and the twice-monthly low cost mainland trips (now only $10, funded by membership dues), there is a loan closet if you have a temporary need for a wheelchair, or crutches and more, legal assistance for low-income seniors, dental assistance for low-income seniors, a veterans advisory board, support for care givers… and much, much, more.

Just last week at the free Medicare forum I learned that because I have already started getting Social Security I need to be alert for a large white envelope a few months before I turn 65. It will contain my Medicare card. Then if I need to make a decision I can make an appointment for good, free advice. I might have tossed that out with the junk mail if I didn’t know.

I look forward to growing old with you my friends, those who have been here all along as well as those who have recently arrived. We have a beautiful place to spend our golden years. Let’s lean on each other when we need to and help each other out when we can. Together, may we live long and prosper!

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