“Just remember, once you”re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.”
? Charles Schultz
Jack LaLanne could kick my butt and probably yours too.
The American fitness, exercise, nutritional expert, celebrity, lecturer and motivational speaker who is known as “the Godfather of fitness” is 95 years old.
Discriminating against a person because of their age sucks.
In a column written by Lowell Grant appearing in Wednesday”s Record-Bee, a disturbing sentence caught my eye. The sentence reads, “To be honest, I am concerned about starting a new career at his advanced age, which I believe to be a legitimate issue.” He was referring to Jack Baxter who is 66 years old and running for Sheriff/Coroner of Lake County.
With all due respect Mr. Grant, horse-pucky.
First of all, it is not a new career per se. The man spent his whole life in law enforcement.
But I am not here to endorse any candidate in any race.
I do not share my political views. That”s just how I am. The way I vote stays behind the curtain, period. I make my decisions based on critical thinking skills, in-depth research, ethics and moral beliefs.
I am outraged by the outright discrimination in the statement. It is unacceptable for members of society to be dismissed and rendered useless simply because they have lived a long life. It”s has been said that a lot can be learned about a society based on the way it treats its elders.
Baxter told me he has been to the doctor and he”s in good health “for an old dude.” He said his genes are solid. His father just died and he was 91. “I wouldn”t have jumped in the race if I didn”t think I could do the job. I see age and experience as a plus.”
I don”t mean to single out Mr. Grant. I”ve heard many people make similar statements about any number of people in numerous positions.
Broad generalizations or “isms” about any group are not only simple-minded, but dangerous as well.
I see age and experience as a benefit. I suggest we hire the person most qualified for the job.
The average age of California”s two sitting senators is 73.
One of my favorite comedians was born in 1896 and he died in 1996. George Burns was hilarious right to the end. Regarding age, he said, “I”d go out with women my age, but there are no women my age.” And, “I was always taught to respect my elders and I”ve now reached the age when I don”t have anybody to respect.”
We should respect our elders.
It is far too common in American culture to throw away everything that seemingly loses its shiny new luster.
It”s our loss. Seniors link us to our past and often have the benefit of experience and history to share.
In Japan and the Middle East old age is often perceived as life”s summit, an accomplishment, a landmark.
Mick Jagger is a senior citizen. I saw the Rolling Stones a couple of years ago and the geriatric band rocked.
On the Lake County front, my favorite columnist is Terry Knight. If he doesn”t know something, he”ll find out the answer in about five minutes. He is 74. Terry began writing, a new endeavor, when he retired from a career with the federal government in 1984.
If we are lucky, we”ll all get old.
“If a human is modest and satisfied, old age will not be heavy on him. If he is not, even youth will be a burden.” ? Plato
Mandy Feder is the Record-Bee news editor. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 Ext. 32.
