Washington, DC - America’s senior citizens are growing older by the day but they have never felt so young as they do these days, says advocate for the elderly, Dan Weber. Dan is president of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] and points out that seniors are living longer and in better physical and mental condition than ever before.
“Men and women who turn 65 these days can expect to live well into their 80s and, according to the statistics, 40 year olds are increasingly likely to live to 100 or more. Meanwhile, modern medicine is making strides as researchers seek treatments and even cures for the most devastating illnesses that still plague humans, including cancer and dementia.”
Caught in early stages of development, cancers such as Prostate, Testicular and even breast cancers can be put into remission. Meanwhile, medical researchers are reporting progress in their search for pathways to effective treatments for dealing with diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The country celebrates Older Americans Month in May and Weber called on AMAC’s membership, the over 50 crowd, to reflect on the “positive side” of growing old in the 21st Century. And, he asked the country, as a whole, to be mindful of the contributions seniors have made to the success of “American Exceptionalism.” Remember also that the past is prologue to the future and that the knowledge, experiences, values and guidance of previous generations are an invaluable asset for future generations.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we remain mindful of the wealth of understanding parents and grandparents have of the hows and whys of success and failure. They can testify to the trials and errors of the past so that our kids and our grandkids will know the right paths to take in their lives. And, that is a key element of the task of preserving our nation’s heritage and ensuring its future,” according to Weber.
Older Americans Month, says the AMAC chief, doesn’t get the attention it should. “Some among the younger generations may not be keen on celebrating the fact that some individuals in their lives have lived to a ripe old age and have important life lessons to pass on to them. They’ve got it wrong. That’s not what it is all about. It’s about those senior citizens who can and who are willing to offer insight, perspective and guidance that will stand the younger folk in good stead as they mature and get on with their lives. So, the onus is on we seniors to take the initiative and reach out to them.”
