Babyboomers - Act your Grandchild's Age

Dear Babyboomers

A recent article (kindly sent to me by Roberto - thankyou)  from the New York Times, 'Act Your Grandchild's Age',  refers to our 'stars' turning unmentionable ages that simply cannot be true.  Even some who are older than us - phew.  And they are still strutting around the stage!   Not to mention names,  because I wouldn't do that, in case someone turned it back on me.  And that is a fate worse than death!  My saying is "If a woman will tell you her age, she will tell you anything", and I stick with that. (Denial works most of the time.)

True to the generation,  Hugh Mackay, my pin up psychologist / social researcher,  says "Boomers have turned away from religion and have instead adopted the 'gods' of sex, travel, food, information and personal growth. They love to be reminded of the promise of their youth and hope that if they keep on going, something will turn up." 

Sounds good to me but I reluctantly return to the article in question  which suggests that the stories we hear "tend to pull us toward the extreme"........ "It's either the stories of young-onset of Alzheimer's, or the sky diving grandmas.  We don't hear enough about the huge middle, which is the vast majority of folks." (Anne Basting,  University of Wisconsin) 

I couldn't agree more - as suggested, that in celebrating the remarkable stories,  we perhaps make those who are suffering the diseases that often accompany old age, feel inadequate, and I add,  therefore not acknowledging the celebration of their struggles. 

Once again, Clara sits on the fence - do you know what?   I am comfortable there and what is wrong with looking at both sides, since that is where the balance lies.

I can feel a song coming on.
Clara
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