by Christine Costlow

Created on: December 16, 2009

Older does equal happier, so everyone has something to look forward to, if you can just hang in there a little longer!  A "seasoned citizen" has passed through many of the angst-inducing situations that plague the younger members of society. Ask any of you older relatives about recessions, unemployment, or fuel shortages and prepare to hear some hair raising stories. Remember when you could only fill your gas tank on Tuesdays if you license plate ended in an even number? Many of the older Americans will. Askif losing your job was unpleasant back before their was unemployment insurance or regular welfare assistance.  This crew worked at a younger age than the present generations, and valued their education, often doing homework late into the evenings after chores were done. There was little emphasis on playdates, organized soccer leagues, or summer camps.

Although they believe that the youth today "don't know how good they have it" the fact that their adversity is largely behind them can inpart a blissful tranquility to their daily life. At least we aren't standing in a bread line, right, honey! Our senior citizens don't have to worry about the failure of the Social Security system, as they are already collecting their share. Raising the retirement age doesn't scare them either, because they've already reached it! Health insurance "Cadillac plans" are presently paying many of their medical bills, while workers today struggle with the fact that their employer no longer provides any coverage at all.

Getting older also provides a longer perspective regarding tragic events in life. It is clear to them that a  broken marriage is not the end of the world, because many of them have lived through it. They have weathered health crises and lived to tell their health related stories to their friends and family. Everone has been subject to those endless conversations with Aunt Ethel, as she relates her latest battle with gout.

Senior citizens often have no mortgages on their homes, and can drive their paid off car to the shopping mall any time of the day they like. Most are no longer employed, but filling their time with activities that they find rewarding. At the mall, they will find a host of stores and restaurants that offer senior citizen discounts. Many times they are able to take advantage of free promotional items that the young are not eligible for. They also enjoy the freedom to voice whatever opinion they like, often loudly and in public. A younger person would often be met with icy stares for unpopular opinions, but the elderly get a free pass based on potential senility.

If this sounds like a recipe for unadulterated happiness, I would agree. It's nice to think that this fate awaits us all if we work hard, plan well, and live long enough to enjoy it!

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