Do you have any older adults in your life? If so, what valuable perspectives and lessons have you gained from them?
Do you think as a society we value the wisdom and experiences of people over the age of 65?
In “What Happened to America? We Asked 12 People in Their 70s and 80s,” The Times invited older adults to talk about the promise of aging, the perils of ageism and their views on American society. Here are some excerpts from the conversation:
Which decade of life would you say was or is your favorite?
Elna, 71, Illinois, Latina, Democrat, employed part time
In my 20s, there was so much to do — roller-skating, dancing, just hanging out with friends and going bike riding. And it was simpler. It was easier then.
Ray, 76, New Jersey, Black, Democrat, retired
I got excited when I heard this question. I knew immediately I’d have to say the ’60s. Growing up in North Carolina, I was a part of the civil rights movement, and that activism helped shape my thinking for the rest of my life. I was in the middle of a revolution that I didn’t even know I was a part of.What would you say are the best things about getting older?
Elizabeth, 82, Kansas, white, Republican, retired
Wisdom does come with age. It’s the little things in life that really do matter. You shouldn’t stress about so much in this world. It’s easier to just enjoy life and do what you can for others.
Pat, 74, Tennessee, Black, Democrat, retired
I’m enjoying being retired, enjoying being — as my kids and nieces call us — the Old Lady Gang. We’re always going to things, and I don’t have to worry about hitting the clock every day or going into work. So I’m enjoying being old.
Eugene, 80, California, white, Republican, retired
Freedom from worry, struggle — this is the best decade of my life. I’ve never had it so good. I get to go on cruises. I get to meet other people. I have interests that make me wonder how I ever found time to work.What are some of the changes that have happened over the course of your lifetime that you’d say are for the better?
Eugene, 80, California, white, Republican, retired
Running water, compared to a sod house on the prairie of South Dakota.Ray, 76, New Jersey, Black, Democrat, retired
For me, it’s medical advances. My father died at 59, but now most of us look forward to living into our 80s. Technology has made everything convenient, but it’s handicapping the human. It amazes me to walk down the street or drive down the street and watch how many people never see me because their faces never leave their cellphones.Any other changes that have happened over your lifetime that you think are for the worse?
Alan, 80, North Carolina, white, independent, retired
I don’t think people want to serve the country anymore. Once we got rid of the draft in 1973, fewer and fewer people want to serve. If you have a strong military, you’re going to have a strong country.
Elaine, 83, Massachusetts, white, independent, retired
We’ve forgotten how to be our brother’s keeper. And the homelessness is totally out of control. The 1 percent — I hate to repeat a cliché, but the 1 percent has all the money and the rest of us are struggling.I want you to think about the generation that comes after Generation Z, people born in the last 15 years. What things do you hope will be better for them than they were for your generation?
Barbara, 71, Oregon, white, Democrat, retired
I want to see the next generation be more concerned about taking care of this planet and each other as human beings. I want to see more tolerance.Eugene, 80, California, white, Republican, retired
I pray that they have more physical and emotional security.
Students, read the entire discussion and then tell us:
What can young people learn from the lives and experiences of older people? Have you had a meaningful relationship with an older person — a neighbor, teacher, coach or relative? If so, what life lessons or unique perspectives have you gained from that person? Share a vivid story or memory, if you have one.
What stands out from The Times’s moderated discussion with seniors? Were there any surprises? Did anything challenge what you know or thought you knew? Did the conversation change the way you think about growing older?
Elaine, 83, said that most politicians looked at voters in their 70s and 80s as “irrelevant.” Do you agree? More generally, do you think that most Americans ignore the lives and needs of seniors? If so, why do you think that is?
What question would you want to ask one of the older people interviewed in the article?
In the discussion, Elizabeth, 82, said that “wisdom does come with age,” and Francis, 83, said that “people should look forward to the future.” Do their words make you more optimistic about growing older? Does reading the article make you want to seek out older people more often?
