Over the next 21 years the number of us over age 65 will about double! This has huge implications for America. And I believe that we, who will make up the 71 million Americans over 65 by 2030, should do our part to address this issue.
I look at it from the perspective of "Aging Well," and want to shift our culture from the belief that "as we get older we become less able" toward our "ableness," the abilities we possess and gain. Shift the conversation away from Ageism — that prejudice that dismisses older folks as having less worth in society — and show them a thing or two! Can we run as fast as 20-year-olds? Of course not. But have we gained experience and wisdom so we do not run into the side of the barn, as they are wont to do? You bet! Don't you feel better already?
I do not propose we deny aging, but rather embrace it. One of my proudest days occurred 5 years ago when my youngest son Eliot finally beat me cycling up Terrible Mountain (yes that's the real name, 4 miles north of Weston). I still trash talk him sometimes on our bikes, but I've never beaten him again. Hey, what a monkey off my back! If you are now elderly you have much experience and wisdom to provide on being old. If you are like me, a middle-age-to-older adult with living parent(s), you have learned a lot about the subject from your parent(s) and are likely thinking about yourself reaching their age. If your parents died when you were younger, you can learn from joining the forum on the subject that we are going to start online — more about that and other Aging Well issues next time. In the meantime, write or email me.
Lyman Orton for The Orton Family, Proprietors
Aging Well: A Continuing Series from The Orton Family
We are examining the issues, challenges, opportunities, and changes that need to occur in regard to the aging of America. Your comments, ideas, challenges, and dreams about aging are very important to us. Currently, we are creating forums to connect all of you, our customers, around the subject, so you might help one another, share stories, and collectively come up with necessary changes and solutions. Stay tuned!
Posts
To Mr. Lyman Orton and Family;
ReplyDeleteMy parents have been customers of The Vermont Country Store for probably as long as the store has been in existence. As a woman now aged 59, I am happily following in their footsteps. I would like to to add my support to the many letters and email I am sure you are even now receiving.
This morning in our local newspaper, I was pleased to read an article from Mr. Lyman Orton, defending the choice the Orton family has made in offering a variety of "Intimate Solutions for The Next Stage in Your Life" (otherwise known as "Sexual-Enhancement Aids") in their catalog, as well as so many of the products that we aging "baby-boomers" so loved and remember so fondly from our childhoods.
I am pleased to see that Mr. Orton acknowledges that those of us who are now seniors or are rapidly moving in that direction, are complete human-beings, with all that that entails. If a sex-toy gives us a measure of control and happiness in some area of our lives, I say "Why Not?" And I would ask; Who are we hurting by living the fullness of life in all of it's parts? I most certainly DO appreciate not having to seek out the local "Sex World" shop to make such a purchase, knowing that I can obtain what I seek in the privacy of my own home, from a well-loved and trusted family that I have grown up with, The Ortons.
I just received the Spring 2009 catalog yesterday (an eagerly awaited event around here) and was most gratified to open it and read "A Letter from the Family" inside the front cover. I am excited to be able to join in on a discussion with your family and millions of others on the subject of "Aging Well". As stated earlier, I am 59 years old with one remaining elderly parent in her 90s, who is currently "teetering-on-the-brink". Society has ceased to acknowledge my existence, due to my age - We DO need to join in community to fight against "Ageism", and we do need a forum, such as the one you have so graciously offered, to talk about the issues that so many millions of us are now facing/currently dealing with, and lend each other support. I look forward to being a member of that community!
I would urge you to continue to "stick to your guns" and do what you know is right for ALL of us! You have my ongoing support for all of your endeavors; if you ever need an advocate, please just let me know!
Love & Blessings,
Marcia