Let’s turn our thinking about growing older around so it becomes a celebration

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With our nation’s current presidential candidates now 78 and 81, aging is at the forefront of our consciousness. And as the organization I lead — DARTS — celebrates 50 years of enriching aging, I want to encourage people to think consciously about how they think about aging and how they treat (or ignore) older people. It’s important that we truly see older people as valued members of society. With over 30 percent of Minnesotans over the age of 50, we need to rethink how we think about being “old.”

When we recently marched in the West St. Paul Days parade, DARTS team members specifically included older parade watchers in our candy distribution. And when one woman thanked us, she said, “Older people like candy, too.” I thought that comment represented something larger that was happening in our society — that older adults are often forgotten.

Communities are at their best when all ages can flourish. So why does the topic of aging often make us uncomfortable? Is it because we don’t want to see ourselves as older? We all get older.

More than 1 million Minnesotans are 65 or older. Of those, 37 percent have an annual household income of more than $75,000, 18 percent are still working, and 33 percent volunteer. As the 65-and-older population outnumbers the school-age population, we need to better value our older community members who make powerful contributions to our society.

The story told through advertising is that we (yes, “we,” as I’m 62 and receiving these messages) need medications, products to make you look younger, and underwear we haven’t worn since we were potty trained. Super Bowl ads, online shopping sites, and concert venues all promote products that aren’t targeted to most 65-year-olds, even though they have discretionary dollars to spend.

As DARTS celebrates its 50th anniversary, let’s celebrate growing older and the wisdom and wrinkles that come with it. Studies show that intergenerational connections benefit both old and young, and while we may walk a little slower or speak a little softer, we are still vital cogs in our economy and society. These connections are vital to keeping our communities thriving.

Let us work to better represent our older generations as mentors, volunteers, leaders, voters and buyers, in addition to addressing their challenges and physical ailments. Then we will represent our society as a whole, create connections that enrich aging and lay a better foundation for the next 50 years.

Ann Bailey is the President of DARTS. Founded in 1974, DARTS is a nonprofit organization that provides home and transportation services to seniors and services and resources for family caregivers in the southeastern Twin Cities.