Happy International Day of Older Persons from Pinky Agnew
NZ Poet and Entertainer - Pinky Agnew, NZNM
FOREWORD In about thirty years’ time, it’s estimated that there will be more older people in the world than children – the first time in our history. We already are contributing in so many ways, but we can all do more to earn our place on this crowded, ailing planet. At 66 I’m still young-old. I’m in reasonably good health, mental and physical, and I work hard to keep on top of both. This sometimes means my ageing years feel like one damned appointment after another – doctor, osteo, dentist, optometrist, counsellor. Every ache and pain, frustration and fear has to be met with courage, patience and as positive an attitude as I can muster. Growing older is a privilege, and it’s humbling too. Younger family members I once guided and helped now guide and help me. Then I get satisfaction when they want to hear my stories, or to learn an olden days skill from me. I’ve learned to see past my own prejudices. I’ve learned to express my needs without blame or anger. I’ve learned not to recite my woes, but to throw myself into what I can do. No one wants to sit beside the moaner at a party! They say it takes a village to raise a child. In our senior years, it also takes a village to create the support, safe housing and interconnected relationships that will give us the dignity and sense of value and purpose that we need. Now go out there and carpe the hell out of that diem!