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« King Lear's Family Values | Main | Meld, Merge, Mosaic »
December 12, 2008 |Permalink |Comments (2)
The Ripening
Elders Bring More to the Table than they take away..aging in
society as a net positive
Given the baby boomers tsunami like numbers and supposed burden
to
society, their aging process is occurring in an environment
built by their
efforts and achievements. Its important to remember that they
were babies
once, and they were taken care of in a world without all of the
technology, efficiencies, and advancements that are a part of
their
legacy. To consider the aging population to be a burden on our
society is ridiculous.
Elders very well may save the world through what they offer to
younger
generations, in wisdom, in practical solutions, in sharing their
stories
and world view.
Recognizing that we will all be in their shoes, if we make it,
will help
contribute to our analysis of "their" net value.
Seeking wisdom from our elders will help us then guide the next
generation. And someday we just might be our own
grandpa/grandma.
Monica, Betty, Aileen
Comments ( 2)
I love the way you guys brought home the idea of the intergenerational reciprocity (way to drop that in 610, Monica!) using Mark Twain's hilarious reminder that it's possible to be your own grandpa. I recommend Dr. Bill's book "In the Arms of Elders." If you haven't read it yet, it is a great parable that really highlights the idea of the ripening. There are also a number of other insights that I think all of us MAgS folks should read.
I agree with the negative concept of the aging tsunami and this group's rebuttal to that phrase. It would be a very good exercise to give specific ways an elder can provide wisdom, practical solutions and so on. People have asked Lee Iaccoa (Chyrsler savior) on his thoughts of the auto industry crisis and of course we do seek the retired generals on comments on any current war but there has to be more "in the face" uses of elder's wisdom.
If we can see them and have these solid examples pointed out, we could see more opportunities to appreciate the ripening around us of seniors.
Donna, Donna, Joe, Lisa and Shelia