Old and Wise

The news from the old country was that another aunt was in the hospital.

"It all started with the youngest sister," father said as I readied myself for a long narration.  "Then your mother. And then the other. And now her."

Four sisters taking turns for medical treatment, some more near-death experiences than others.

"We have so many in our families who are over 70. And over 80."  Said my father who is only a couple of months away from turning 90.  "With so many at this age, somebody or the other will always be in the hospital."  There are a number of seniors and super-seniors even back in the old country.

This contemporary life of aged folks is quite a contrast to how the stories began.  One grandfather died in his mid-20s.  Compared to him the other grandfather lived a long life--he died when he was 51.

Here, the oldest President alive, Jimmy Carter, suffered a fall, was sutured up, and he showed up to do his work at the Habitat for Humanity project. The man is 95 years old, even a black eye and 14 stitches couldn't stop him!  His wife, Rosalyn, is no spring chicken either at 92 years.

And many of them here in my adopted country continue to work too!

About 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older is now in the workforce. That number is expected to increase, making it the fastest-growing group of workers in the country.

Of course, some do because of their financial situation:

Baby boomers have median savings of a little over $150,000 to get through what could be a 30-year retirement.

Median savings.  Which means that half of them--I don't consider myself to be of that generation!--have less than $150,000.

Back in the old country, whether or not the seniors and super-seniors saved for their retirement years, there is the tradition of children taking care of their elders.  And their considerable hospital expenses too.

"All normal post operation," said my sister's message about the aunt who had to be rushed to the hospital.

I sit thinking a lot about getting old.