18 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Seen any movies lately about teenagers working at fast food joints? It's enough to make the imagination revolt when driving through McDonalds, Wendy's and the various fast food restaurants. Is it safe to eat this food or is the employee having a good or bad day and have they watched these movies.

In recent years, the age of employees in these workplaces seem to have increased. They are more respectful and tend to have a better outlook on their job. They are retirees that want to continue being useful to their community. This is a way to influence the younger generation towards a better work ethic.

The schools around America say they need more funding for books, salaries, supplies and other more expensive programs. A class room generally has over twenty students and very young teachers; perhaps just ten years older. Parents are helping in the classroom, but a great opportunity exists for the grandparent to donate their time and years of experience to these children that desire to grow up and be somebody. Many of these children don't have grandparents or a stable home for retreat. Programs and the latest and greatest computer will not give a child the benefits a person from the past two generations can offer.

In a few years the living heritage from the rip roaring twenties or the money hoarders of the thirties will be gone. What will the future generation learn from their experiences? They are shuttled off to assisted living homes or beautiful retirement homes where there is a lot of the same but less hassle to their baby boomer children.

Not so long from now, the United States will be full of retired boomers and will have a great opportunity to utilize their strengths to implement neighborhood watch programs and after school mentoring programs such as helping neighborhood children with their homework or class projects.

If they feel they are done "raising children" other opportunities abound in the armed services, for example. Men and women will be coming home from their tour of duty and will need to transition back into the United States. The veteran hospitals are full of men and women who would love to visit or just have a person who can listen.

Being retired or getting older does not mean life has to end. Boomers will have to change their beliefs from what can you do for me to what can I do for you. There can be all kinds of things the aging citizens of this country can do but it will be up to them to make that decision. It means life is taking another bend in the road. It depends on the character of the person how to respond.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Mckinley.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How the elderly can make greater contributions to their communities ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!