A more balanced view of aging
JASON W. SWANSON, HSE
Executive Director
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
To the Editor:
What do you think of you when you hear the word
“aging?” Does your mind race to the fact that you
are growing older, wiser, or more experienced? Or
do you think of a sore back, needing assistance or not
being able to do things you once did?
I’m sad to say that as a society our perception of
aging has become negative and many people think
growing old is a bad thing. Why has this happened?
I for one would like to grow old and believe it’s a
good thing.
Recently you may have heard of the impending
silver tsunami. When I hear a phrase like this, I think
of a catastrophe wiping out entire communities and
permanently damaging an area. Is an increase in
our older population a catastrophe? No, it’s just the
opposite! We are living longer, healthier lives and
are contributing to our families, communities, and
society as a whole.
How do older adults contribute? Like any younger
person, they shop, they use services, they pay taxes,
they volunteer, and many still work. They give
generously to charitable organizations and look after
their grandchildren. Older adults do housework, home
maintenance, and yard work, provide transportation,
and run errands – not just for themselves, but for
others as well. They also give emotional support and
friendship to other older adults and provide care for
spouses, family, and friends.
While we need policy solutions to address real
challenges of supporting older adults and their
caregivers, let’s stop using phrases like “silver
tsunami” and take a more balanced approach to
the aging population. Now is the time for us to get
creative, be innovative, and embrace the fact that
we are aging. It’s up to us to create a more age-
inclusive community and culture, and recognize the
contributions of all.
Aging is a good thing and we should be positive
about it. I leave you with an Irish saying, “You are
not as young as you used to be. But you’re not as old
as you’re going to be.” Age positively!
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