DEAR SEAN:
The last several columns I’ve read from you have been about old people. May I ask why, with all of the other things happening out there, you’re always stuck on someone’s grandma and grandpa?
Can you write about something fresh and new instead of always telling us about people who are old? Not being critical. Just giving you something to think about.
Regards,
39-YEARS-OLD-IN-MODESTO
DEAR MODESTO:
Thanks for the words. Before I say anything else, let me also thank you for taking the time to sit down, look up my email address, and send a message to a complete stranger who lives 2351.4 miles away, expressing your dissatisfaction with writing that, bear in mind, ain’t exactly Whitman.
But I will make no excuses. You’re absolutely right about me writing too many old-person columns.
Which is why I want to apologize. You should not be subjected to columns about elderly persons since these people are, as the term implies, not 39-year-olds.
Like yourself.
And hey, maybe by not talking about old people you won’t ever have to become one. If you avoid the topic long enough, perhaps someday your hair won’t fall out and your body won’t begin making vaporous noises of its own volition whenever you’re tying your shoes.
Believe me, I get it. Lots of younger people don’t want to hear about the elderly. The young are busy being young, making mistakes, learning valuable lessons, improving the world. That’s what you’re supposed to do, and it’s wonderful.
So keep reinventing things, blazing new paths, breaking old traditions, and making your own rules. And above all, keep believing that yours is the first generation to ever do these things. Because you’re adorable.
Besides, you’re absolutely correct. Everyone could do with a little youthfulness. Which is why after reading your email I took your advice. I looked up a few articles on popular youngish news sites to see what young people are reading nowadays.
The following are real headlines I found:
“22 Celebrities that Look Nothing Alike.”
“What Type of Fall Sweater Are You?”
“10 Signs Your Cat is a Wizard.”
“19 Potatoes That Look Like John Travolta.”
All I can say is, this gave me a brand new perspective on America’s future.
I suppose the good news is, not once did these youthful articles mention a single person who was over age 70. Although keep in mind, John Travolta probably isn’t buying green bananas anymore.
I do want to say one thing, however. Something that worries me about this new youth centric culture is that our elders are largely forgotten in today’s world. And this seems wrong.
Think about it. When was the last time you saw an 80-year-old on a TV show or blockbuster movie? How many elderly people do you see depicted in televised ads not related to buying gold?
Have you ever seen a geriatric person on, say, a Gatorade commercial?
No, big-time video crews are experts at ignoring the 42.9 million elderly persons in the U.S. Unless, of course, it’s a televised ad featuring a medication or health supplement. In which case all TV-old-people are filmed doing impossibly dangerous stunts like hang gliding, sailing, rock climbing, marathoning, or eating past 3:30 P.M.
The only problem is, this is not an accurate portrayal of the golden years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying 80-year-olds can’t go hang gliding. I’m just saying their bodies are rarely found.
But getting back to your letter. Personally, I don’t want to forget old people. I love the elderly. Not writing about my elders would be ignoring all the cool people who built this world.
Do you realize how incredible the former generations are? These people survived hell. Many of your own elders are old enough to recall Depression-era breadlines. Even more remember shipping sons off to fight world wars, or sending daughters to shipyards to take up stick-welding.
Your ancestors were factory workers, steelworkers, laborers, and farmers. Once upon a time, 30 percent of the U.S. was involved in farming (today it’s less than 2 percent). How do you forget people like this? And why would anyone want to?
These American forbears suffered the worst of history, and they took it on the chin. And yet these generations somehow outclassed their own grief and managed to give us heroes like, Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bob Newhart.
What have younger generations given us? Reality TV.
So I could give you more reasons why I love the elderly, but I won’t. I could also explain the invaluable lessons I have learned from older people, but something tells me you don’t want to hear them.
Therefore I won’t say anything else except to deliver the words of an 82-year-old retired high-school teacher from Wisconsin who emailed me recently.
The old teacher said: “You know what true fear is? Waking up to realize your former students are running the world.”
Just giving you something to think about.
104 comments
Linda Chapman - April 9, 2021 6:46 am
Amen! I do so love you, Sean!
From 72 year old Linda Chapman married to an 84 year old amazing man!
Christina - April 9, 2021 7:02 am
Let those who have ears listen.
Leila Travlos - April 9, 2021 7:28 am
Amen!
Cynthia - April 9, 2021 9:11 am
Please keep writing on the topics that interest you. As every English teacher or writer has told you, you write what you know. Your writing is delightful and thoughtful. As many others also tell you, I start my day reading your column. Thank you for your persistence in the art of writing.
Goober Fife - April 9, 2021 9:27 am
Well said Sean!…Like the wise Yogi Berra once said…You can observe a lot by just watching!… Maybe some of today’s younger folks need to give it a try 👓…Old People were once young too! They have been there, done that, all without smart phones and such…In our day we called it having Moxie…
Edward Rockensock III - April 9, 2021 9:30 am
Bravo Sean
coxcarolp - April 9, 2021 10:18 am
Good job Sean! I agree with the teacher.
biglar48 - April 9, 2021 10:31 am
I have an easy solution for Mr. Modest one-stop reading Sean’s blog. Then you won’t be upset. For every self -centered person such as yourself there are hundreds of us who admire the elderly. We actually know some history and respect elders for the sacrifices they made to keep us free.
Lander - April 9, 2021 10:39 am
Toudamnche.
Pat De Loncker - April 9, 2021 10:43 am
Glad you told him a d didnt apologize
That school teacher has it right. It is scary when you look around and see what might be running our world. It is scary to see who is running it now! I personally raised two caring boys, but that isnt enough save this country. We need more respect for the people who made this country. We need more advice before it is no longer there to be had. The young people today should try talking to an elder and they should also try introducing themselves to God. It would make a world of difference to them
Jane Hicks - April 9, 2021 10:49 am
Great column today ! What is really scary is that the youth care more about social media & communicating by texting than sitting down with the older generations and having a conversation in person.
Leonard A Sowell - April 9, 2021 10:59 am
Thank you, Sean! Your wisdom is well beyond your years. Your column has been a bright spot in a tough year. I had covid back in December and may have it again; but I always seem to feel better mentally and physically after reading your words of wisdom. DO’NT STOP.
Sheri Russell - April 9, 2021 11:00 am
I remember, at 30, being sure I’d be dead by 50 because that was so old. I remember just before oh, February of 2020 thinking I’d never wear pants with elastic waists. At 73 I’m incredibly wise and still occasionally wake up with a doozy of a hangover and wonder how I got this old and stayed this stupid. January of 2020 my fabulous husband had a major stroke. We are making out way. My old person advice? For whatever it means to you..Drink the good stuff..and what are you waiting for? Thanks for your writing and for being exactly who you are..
Lifetime Chicago - April 9, 2021 11:05 am
Thank you! I just got a story published in Chicken Soup of the Soul. I have been sending them stories for years. The true story was about the real love between an elderly husband and wife …imagine that…lol.
Terric - April 9, 2021 11:06 am
I love this Sean, and I love you too.
Diana Green - April 9, 2021 11:06 am
74-year-old here. I appreciate your respect and homage to the “elderly”. And I have a message for Modesto: “Dear One, time moves very, very fast. Thirty-nine isn’t a spring chicken and soon you’ll be avoiding mirrors too. It’s ok, it happens to all of us! Sending you love.”
Steve E Rafferty - April 9, 2021 8:16 pm
Amen Diana! How very true
Leigh Amiot - April 9, 2021 11:08 am
Adding to the list of frightening things…a 39-year-old who sounds a tad like a teenager, but is in reality a rapidly growing older adult in denial. I’ve long been saying generations following the boomers are taking too long to grow up, (getting their own real estate, good job, marriage, etc.) and now that their life spans are shorter than the previous generation’s, many are banking on time they may not have.
I laughed aloud at this: So keep reinventing things, blazing new paths, breaking old traditions, and making your own rules. And above all, keep believing that yours is the first generation to ever do these things. Because you’re adorable.
Sean, you put the brakes on just short of “Get off my lawn!” Hilarious!
Suzi - April 9, 2021 11:08 am
“John Travolta not buying green bananas”, 🤣 From a 75 y.o. woman whose exercise is mostly spent working on those ole/old sphincter muscles, I applaud your insight and humor. Thanks for making my day!
Terry Holloway - April 9, 2021 11:26 am
Since I am 74, I like the old people articles. Mister Modesto is part 0f the every child gets a trophy, buy me take me get me,M generation. as my GrandFather would say,”that boy needs a spanking”.
Greyn - April 9, 2021 11:32 am
With you on this one all the way though for sure this current crop of the “youthish”, for want of a better word, has given us much to conjure on. What, by the way, is a kardashian?
Nancy Gilbert - April 9, 2021 11:42 am
Thank you for sticking up for us, Sean. We grandmothers love you like another grandson. I look forward to your column every single day.
Kate - April 9, 2021 11:47 am
Does Modesto realize that to some 39 is really old?
Stephanie Mummert - April 9, 2021 11:55 am
Preach it!
Bob Brenner - April 9, 2021 11:58 am
Thanks from a 74 year old. I lookup to and think about the “Greatest Generation “, talk about heroes! Tom Brooks was right!
Richard - April 9, 2021 11:59 am
BRAVO Sean.
I found it interesting that the 39 year old is from Modesto, as in California??
Enough said, perhaps?
peggyhayesauthor - April 9, 2021 11:59 am
Great response to 39-YEARS-OLD-IN-MODESTO!
Lisa Wilcox - April 9, 2021 12:04 pm
Touché, baybay! Keep on keeping on, Sean!
Amy Muscarella - April 9, 2021 12:05 pm
Love your writing !
Jan - April 9, 2021 12:13 pm
Love this column and the last zinger from the retired teacher from Wisconsin! Just wait young folks, you will get there someday … if you are lucky. As a seventy something woman, there is a lot to be said for the wisdom of living life for so many years. Unless you are focused on the wrong things, you tend to learn a bit about life and people if you pay attention!
Thank you, Sean!
Bobby - April 9, 2021 12:14 pm
Nailed it my friend!!!
Kay Britton - April 9, 2021 12:15 pm
Thanks for standing up for us oldies but goodies !
NAOMI - April 9, 2021 12:22 pm
I think that’s why I stay depressed. I am 76 and my husband is 90. We are both in good health and still have all of our mental faculties. My husband is a retired preacher and retired Air Force LtCol; he served in Japan during the Korean War. I have a Master’s Degree in Government Administration. We have traveled all over the world to over 30 countries. We are in a 2nd marriage; he has 3 sons, and I have a son and daughter. My daughter and my son and daughter-in-law are the only ones who called us and wished us a happy Easter. We didn’t hear from his sons or any of our grandchildren. We don’t live near any of them. We could be dead for months before they found us. We do have an older couple who come over a couple times a week to spend time with us, but no young people. We have so much that we can share about history, but they aren’t interested; they can’t get off of their cell phone long enough to have a conversation. Even when we go out to eat, I notice that most of the young people are on their cell phones; they don’t even talk to their parents. When my children were young, we ate dinner together. That was when I took the time to talk to them about how their day went.
Joann Thompson - April 9, 2021 1:16 pm
Oh, Naomi, I wish you lived in San Antonio. I would love to visit with you and your husband.
Mary Kehl - April 9, 2021 2:20 pm
I’m with you, ma’am 85 4 grown, 9 grands, 11 great grds(most too young to call) and my oldest daughter is the oldest y one that calls or sees me on a regular basis
Never even get a thank you from money or gifts. Still active, fortunately , n my church cervice,
Karen Erwin-Brown - April 9, 2021 12:29 pm
feeling 67 today which is good because that’s my age. thanks for the words.
Carl Mock - April 9, 2021 12:30 pm
You are “spot on” Sean.
Myra - April 9, 2021 12:33 pm
What else can be said except, WELL SAID SEAN!
Bob E - April 9, 2021 12:35 pm
Thank goodness people of all ages have/are/and will contribute to the betterment of the world in general. Of course we know what old people have accomplished (history) and what the current population is contributing (check the news). What leaves us wondering is what people will do in the future? (no crystal ball here). That leaves us hoping and praying they will come through to match and even exceed their predecessors’ accomplishments.
Let’s choose to be optimistic.
Sean, be aware that many of your readers will continue to enjoy reading about oldsters – keep it up.
Deborah Blount - April 9, 2021 12:37 pm
I’m not exactly a spring chicken. I am 62 years old. But I grew up respecting and learning from my elders. History is the way we keep from making the same mistakes over and over. Because our youth seems to have an aversion to history, I fear for the human race. But that seems to be written in history too. Every few hundred years or so the young destroy everything and we have to start over. Sad, but true. I have to admit in this case, it is my generation that has drop the ball. We have allowed our children to seek their own way and not spent the time and energy to knock their heads together and get them to see the good and the bad that has gone before them. I personally feel it is my generation that is responsible for our youth’s disregard for our elders. I am so ashamed of that. But I am hoping there are enough caring people that will make me proud of our future before I leave this realm. I would hate to have to spend eternity haunting my grandchildren to get them to pay attention to their past.
Oldone - April 9, 2021 12:40 pm
Well done.
Linda B. - April 9, 2021 12:44 pm
Thanks so much, Sean!
Donna Bell - April 9, 2021 12:48 pm
Bravo Sean!!!
Kara VinZant - April 9, 2021 12:52 pm
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your response!!
Joey - April 9, 2021 12:56 pm
Funny, just yesterday I found myself humming Conrad Birdie’s song from Bye Bye Birdie!
“Kids! I don’t know what’s wrong with these kids today!”
Every adult generation worries about how the next generation is behaving. It’s just the way of the world.
And I heartily agree with Deborah Blount’s comments, too.
alisonbaird765 - April 9, 2021 12:59 pm
As a 57 year old school teacher I applaud this column! My fellow teachers and I often joke that we must be nice to our students because they will be caring for us in the nursing home! I find myself watching old Columbo episodes these days and remembering when television shows actually had budgets and directors like Stephen Spielberg… those were the days when I thought anyone 39 was an old person! LOL!
Pjpicklebottom - April 9, 2021 1:01 pm
Sing it, sean.. yes!!!
Eddy - April 9, 2021 1:05 pm
TYPE LOUDER SONNY SO HE CAN HEAR YOU IN MODESTO……
Pauline Hunneman - April 9, 2021 1:05 pm
Spot freakin’ on, Sean!
Certified Old Person - April 9, 2021 1:06 pm
Amen!
And there are a few other things the younger generation has “improved” upon as well: disposable washing machines with no water, that take four times as long to wash and leave your clean clothes smelling like a wet dog in a cow pasture, that have to be replaced every three years. And particle board furniture made to look beautiful that costs twice as much as real wood and lasts three to five years. And photographs of their family that will disappear with the next latest greatest technology change (i.e. floppy discs) and my personal favorite, computer games that teach their children that they can get points and win a game by shooting police or running over pedestrians.
One thing about it, no one will be boring the generation after this one with stories about old people because there will be no reminders. No antique furniture, no old beautiful books, no photographs of ancestors. And the kids that are being raised to believe shooting and running over people is fun —will be in charge of them.
Joann Thompson - April 9, 2021 1:13 pm
Amen to this comment!
Debbie g - April 9, 2021 1:08 pm
I start my day by counting my blessings. Today I’ll add the Modesto person to my list. I am thankful I am Not Modesto’s parent grandparent or even great grandparent but I guess I should put them on my prayer list 😂😂😂😂😂. But Sean I would be honored to be yours. Keep up the good work and keep writing whatever touches your soul. Your readers love you and family 😀😀
Robert Smyth - April 9, 2021 1:09 pm
Thanks Sean, from a 78 yr old
Joann Thompson - April 9, 2021 1:11 pm
Loved this column as well as all the ones you write about the elderly. I will be turning 70 this year–a senior citizen for certain–and though in good health, I know this body won’t last forever. It’s sad that the young man who wrote to you doesn’t appreciate the older generation. He’s missing out. We still have the best music!
Suzanne Cahill - April 9, 2021 1:12 pm
BOOM! Thank you, Sean.
Tes Jolly - April 9, 2021 1:22 pm
Spot on, Sean. Self-absorption and intolerance has replaced dignity and and a humble spirit in the younger generations. My dear Dad went to his grave and glory at 93 years old having lived through the Depression and fighting in WWII across Europe and northern Africa to come back to Kansas and raise a family with my Mom who God blessed us with as the absolute Best Mother on Earth.
When Dad died we received a marker for his grave from the US Army. Dad had been awarded the Bronze Star and 7 service medals during enlistment. It was the first my 3 siblings and I knew of them. I was stunned, proud and not surprised one bit. His Kansas dirt farmer roots grew a hardworking, humble man of dignity and grace who often told us the only heroes in war are the ones who don’t come home. “We had a job to do and we did it” were his words.
I could write a book on Mom’s beauty, wisdom, kindness and her little black book of jokes for the ladies’ club meetings. Yeah, keep writing about old folks. They are the treasures that enrich our lives. I miss my folks every day.
Thanks for your daily words. I often read your column late at night as soon as it lands in my inbox. After the bathroom visit.😉 You’re a good man. Love your humor. It’s God’s gift to lighten our loads in life if we’ll just use it.
God’s blessings on you and your wife.
T in Tuskegee
Cindy Foster - April 9, 2021 1:32 pm
Hey, after all it’s your column!!
Keep writing!!
Helen De Prima - April 9, 2021 1:36 pm
Stick it to him, Sean! As you mention TV shows: Longmire, one of the best cop shows EVER was dropped by A&E because they deemed its viewer demographic too old. (Over 50!) Hello — we’re the population with savings to buy the products your advertisers are hawking. Fortunately, devoted Longmire fans rose up with a roar, causing Netflix to pick up the series for another three seasons. Don’t mess with the elderly.
Jeannine Underwood - April 9, 2021 1:47 pm
Dear Sean, your response to 37 year old about old people was priceless
Bang
Good for you, from an old 74 year old
Patricia Schmaltz - April 9, 2021 2:00 pm
Betty White. . I LIVE to see Betty White!
Sonya Tuttle - April 9, 2021 2:10 pm
Most fruits and nuts are in California.
Teresa Tindle - April 9, 2021 2:18 pm
Well done!
Lyla Springfield - April 9, 2021 2:22 pm
Thank you to the moon and back from this 70 year old for defending old folks! As a former teacher, it’s scary!
Teresa White - April 9, 2021 2:23 pm
Wow! Thank you for this poignant message. I feel blessed that at my age, 66, I have had the good fortune of experiencing the rich lives of the generations you chronicled.
In response to Deborah Blount, while I agree in part, I don’t believe that our generation has entirely “dropped the ball”. My sons, who are in their early 40’s, are good family members who grew up respecting their grandparents and are now kind and helpful toward me. As a family we are teaching their children to care for their family elders. As I tell my sons, the time and energy you’re expending now to teach your kids will come back to you when you’re old. Our family has managed to do this up to this point. I can’t say how many generations it will “pay forward” but I am pleased that I have done all I can do to give it a good chance.
Wanda Willis - April 9, 2021 2:31 pm
Thank you Sean from a grandmother who is taking care of her own 88 year old mom suffering from dementia and heart problems. Is she forgetful? Yes. Is she slow moving as molasses? Yes. Do her needs consume 18 hours of my day? Yes. Am I honored and blessed to have this caregiver role in her life? YES! Because she was one of those strong, hardworking people you wrote about. And I am who I am today because of her. Don’t ever stop writing about “old” folks. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. God bless you.
Connie - April 9, 2021 2:36 pm
I love this so much. It may be because I’m in the older category now but it’s also because I truly adore the older people in my life, and as I watch them all leave me one by one, I know that I am truly losing my past and what made me who I am. Thank you for appreciating our elderly. You keep writing your heart and we will keep reading. Love and hugs.
Barbara - April 9, 2021 2:45 pm
Thank you Sean for standing up for us seniors! I am 74 and still learning new things, have my own teeth and buying green bananas. I give thanks for my extraordinary ancestors who made it through the last pandemic, the Great Depression and WWII. They are my inspiration
Ron - April 9, 2021 2:47 pm
Sean is stuck in a lot of issues. He needs professional help. His writing is seriously circular.
Linda Moon - April 9, 2021 3:01 pm
Mr. “Whitman”, I need no defense. I’m still adorable. And cool, too. But enough about me. The older-than-me retired teacher’s email was spot on! “Grow Old or Die Young”, and the first alternative has been really good….not always easy, but good. A former student will be injecting my back-side today. Think about that.
Betty F. - April 9, 2021 3:17 pm
Wow- did you strike a chord (heck a whole song) with this one. Having had the dubious honor of living in two areas of CA, I applaud those solid remaining citizens who have not folded to the youth culture foisted on everyone there. I am 74 and regret the time I did not spend with my parents thinking I’d always have the time to catch up when my life wasn’t so hectic. I was lucky to be able to raise my 40+ year old kids in a small New England town where I found a group of parents with similar values- it really does take a village to raise a kid. I don’t think we were heavy- handed (they may disagree), but we saw the start of the well-meaning trend of “everyone’s a winner and don’t hurt their fragile egos” and were pushed to question everything about parenting. Somehow most of our kids have made it past 39, have managed to carve out their own lives and even try to raise kids of their own. Luckily, I have some rock solid senior examples to hold on to or listen to in these tumultuous times, I see or can read about all sorts of compassionate caring people of all ages and ethnicities if I choose. It keeps me holding on when the media seems to only want to feed us doom and gloom. And you, Sean, give me my daily dose of vitamin H (hope).
Jenny Young - April 9, 2021 3:20 pm
I totally disagree that old means you can’t be fresh & new….here are some of my favorite old people who are also fresh & new.
Heather has really helped me try some new things now that I’m in the second half of my century.
https://www.instagram.com/awesomeover50/
Alexandra pushes me every week to get outside…I love her British accent & I love her hair. I’m working on growing my hair just like her.
https://www.youtube.com/c/ThemiddlesizedgardenCoUk/about
And how about this group….The Mutton Club. You know what a mutton is? a ‘mature’ sheep…an old sheep
https://themuttonclub.com/start-here/
Those were all about women. Here’s a great movie that had one of my favorite old actors….& oh my how much I loved all the old people in this movie. There were quite a few. One of the funniest movies I’ve watched in a long time. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6842770/
So Sean I think you’re in pretty good company sharing stories of the elderly.
Nancy Turner - April 9, 2021 3:27 pm
BeYOUtiful
Sue Riddle Cronkite - April 9, 2021 3:46 pm
Awesome perspective. You told it like it really is. I remember being 39. I remember being 87. I could tell the 39-year-old how to survive and how it is to be joyful every day! Hooray for life!
niobrarariverrat - April 9, 2021 3:49 pm
Well said, Sean.
Bonnie Stewart - April 9, 2021 3:50 pm
Sean: Do you read these comments or should I email you and if so, what is your address. I concur totally with the old people issue. My sons are 50 and 49 and dominate the world. Meanwhile, I sit quietly when with them and feel I’m expected to be seen and not heard. Forget about all the wisdom we have accumulated and accomplishments we have achieved. Those of us old folks still have great brains, ideas, and so much to share. Besides, the young people toot their own horn ALL THE TIME! Hence, twitter, facebook, selfies, etc. Thank God, Sean, for you and your loving wisdom.
Tom - April 9, 2021 3:56 pm
What makes the 39 year old think he is not …….one of us? In todays world he reached old age at 26. Young? he’s ancient. Maybe he can survive until he reaches 50. At 50 you are allowed to start your second childhood. If you choose not to start your second childhood then you haven’t read enough “Sean”. I pray you will open your mind and your heart to what is really important. Thank you Sean for keeping me grounded in my second childhood. 69 going to be 20.
Ken Carden - April 9, 2021 4:01 pm
I’m now officially “an elder, 65. You just wrote of my mom and dad,from Pollard. This is now on Facebook. Thanks!
Saundra M. - April 9, 2021 4:10 pm
Loved this column! Thank you… from a 79 year old grandma who is happy to still be around and so proud of our generation!!
Holly Layman - April 9, 2021 4:29 pm
I love this column so very much! I am a Gen-Xer (single mom of a 16-year-old) sharing a home with my Baby Boomer parents, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this time with them. I cherish every day my parents are here on this planet with me, and I still look to them for guidance and wisdom. In our multigenerational household, we all help each other, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Marilyn - April 9, 2021 4:55 pm
I liked your response as you put Modesto in their place. But did they “get it”? Keep writing whatever you want to because this over 80 lady likes it all. And of course reading what others have to say about what you write always adds another layer of enjoyment to your column.
Betty - April 9, 2021 5:32 pm
This is awesome Sean! Your sense of humor makes me laugh out loud and I sooo appreciate that. It just doesn’t happen enough. Thanks for being you and sharing your insight with us. Love you, love you, love you. 68 in Alabama 😊
P.S. The commercials are so cute. ♥️
Susan - April 9, 2021 6:01 pm
AMEN Sean, AMEN!!
Dale Milita - April 9, 2021 6:37 pm
Thank you Sean, I write occasionally about myself so to your writings , I say “I resemble those remarks” I am 78 yrs. If junior lives long enough he’ll like elderly too.
Susie, as well - April 9, 2021 6:40 pm
Well said! With love from Alabama.
Becky Comer - April 9, 2021 7:15 pm
Right on the mark, Sean! Furthermore, this is your column and you choose what subjects you will highlight. If a few of your readers don’t like it, I say to them “Don’t read it.” We love your blog and read it every day. Thank you so very much for each and every column you write to your fans.
Rebecca Souders - April 9, 2021 7:40 pm
Bravo, Sean! I stayed 39 for many years, up until last year when I hit 77. It was a shock, let me tell you. I think your 39-year-old reader also has a shock in their future! Keep writing whatever you wish … I enjoy it all!
AlaRedClayGirl - April 9, 2021 8:43 pm
All I can say is: Youth is wasted on the young!
tamewitt - April 9, 2021 9:21 pm
I was saying the same thing to a group of women last night. I love the elderly for the reasons you mentioned. I remember thinking the same way when I was younger, you know, that I had forever and a day before I got old and when I did I was never going to be like THAT. Although I would never say this about anyone else, I know now at age almost 61 that I was an idiot. Age brings wisdom.
Harriet - April 9, 2021 9:57 pm
Modesto…🙄
Karen Snyder - April 9, 2021 10:45 pm
Bravo! I would hazard a guess that Modesto also has little or no time for the elders in his near orbit. Such a shame to be so self-centered. Every time I read one of your offerings, I give thanks that there are still young(er) folks with so much empathy. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I laugh so hard that I cry, but never have I thought a column of yours has been a waste of time. Thanks.
Karen Holderman - April 9, 2021 10:52 pm
Well said. Thank you.
Roxanne - April 9, 2021 11:09 pm
“Because you’re adorable.” BWAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Paul Moore - April 9, 2021 11:13 pm
Thanks Sean for reminding people. It’s like I told my boy once. ( I’m not smarter I’ve just been around longer ). Another ( intelligence is a by product of mistakes )
Annie Sommers - April 10, 2021 1:28 am
Love your attitude towards the elderly, because I am 73 years old as no God’s not finished with me yet and yes I am still very active and very alive. All my old friends are very active and also very alive.
Bill - April 10, 2021 1:46 am
“So keep reinventing things, blazing new paths, breaking old traditions, and making your own rules. And above all, keep believing that yours is the first generation to ever do these things. Because you’re adorable.”
You’ve got it, Sean. Today’s generation has or refuses to learn from our history. Such a sad situation.
TrixC - April 10, 2021 1:14 pm
Dear 39 year old. While I appreciate your weariness of the tales of “old people” I have to say…as these people go, so goes our history, our family legacies, the things you might wonder about one day when your own children ask for some rich stories of their grand and great grand parents. Be curious. Be filled with wonder about how you got to where you are today, and where your family came from. The past is rich with so much information and knowledge, it would take another 39 years to let that all soak in.
Sean…I love ALL your stories about ALL ages.
Susan Wold - April 10, 2021 1:55 pm
BRAVO SEAN!
Ann - April 11, 2021 2:42 pm
I’m 80 and read you every day…..this is sooooooo good…thank you Sean!❤️❤️🥰
Cheryl Buchanan - April 11, 2021 11:26 pm
YAY!
Heather B - April 12, 2021 5:11 am
This 37 year old loves her elders, learns from them daily and loves reading your words. I’m reading this one to my 91 year old grandmother. 🙂
Mike - April 13, 2021 11:15 pm
Well said young man, well said indeed…
Mary Calhoun - April 14, 2021 10:39 am
Those people don’t have a clue!! They are a product of social manipulation and a culture that throws away children (in the womb.) They live in a world that is offended by everything that doesn’t suit their own lives. They’ve not been taught to respect anyone let alone the elderly who are a walking encyclopedia of wealth. Sad thing is when they reach their 80’s their children will shove them in a nursing home and leave them there alone. Finally they will have a reason to be offended. They live in a world where truth has become lies and lies have become truth. And they raise their children to do what they do. No better teacher than watching your parents make jackasses of themselves in word and deed.
Keep fighting for the elderly. Heaven knows few people do. I lost my mom two days before my 24th birthday, my brother to cancer when he turned 46 a few years later and my daddy a couple of years after that. I lost my well of information, connection and family. My parents had me late in life so I didn’t become a true student of my family’s knowledge. I regret it every day.
My point is 39 year olds you really haven’t lived long enough to appreciate the wisdom Sean is passing along. Save those columns until you do. Otherwise if you can’t say something nice just shut up, find another writer, and stop being offended by someone’s work. Instead get fired up over the nasty messages being spread in your kids rap music, the lies they are being taught in school and worry about teaching your children to respect those who have lived long enough to share their wisdom through their own experiences. Sean was kind. I am not. But we both arrive at the same conclusion. Grow up and then state your opinion!
Katherine D Jones - April 15, 2021 8:05 pm
THIS IS Right on Target! And, Yes, it does scare me when I think of what all the current leadership has NOT been through. So, Sean, PLEASE Keep on writing about the huge AND Growing portion of the population that is over the age of 60! Your column is one of the most uplifting things I read everyday. – Bless you! – DiAn (age 67!).
dymenovel - June 7, 2021 3:34 am
I work as a caregiver for the elderly…I chuckled as I read this story.
Back in 2012, I had a 97 year old client that took helicopter lessons…because she could. She went swimming three times a week for exercise, never missed church on Sundays, and worked into her 90’s on her farm, still lived on her own.
I asked her, “What’s the key to living a good long life?”
“It’s remaining true to yourself, no matter if it hurts someone else. Learn to say no, when it’s needed.”
She lived a good life…died one evening in her sleep, after spending the day at church, and Sunday dinner with her family.
She was my hero…because she took helicopter lessons in her 90’s.
Currently have 102 year old, that I’m her caregiver, have been since 2012. She stopped driving at 101. Best driver I have ever been in a car with…she stopped driving when she noticed her movements became slower. She still lives on her own. She can do math problems quicker in her head that it takes for me to pull out a calculator, has an impeccable memory. Still lives on her own.
Key to living?
Remaining true to yourself. Keep what is told to you by another, to yourself. Laugh a lot. Love, love, love. Do what makes you happy.
She is my hero…I love her smiles and daily wisdom.
Sad for the young man in his lack elderly experience…he may be surprised at what he could learn, if he chose to spend a little time with them.
The stories told Sean, is what keeps their history going, for we are the keeper of their stories.
Keep writing their stories, Sean.