Happy Older Americans Month
We are getting older and there are more of us out here than ever before. For the last 55 years, the U.S. and Texas government agencies recognize May as Older Americans Month (OAM,) which is something I didn’t know. My kids, grandkids and great-grandkids didn’t know it either.
So as a writer, public speaker, columnist and blogger, it is my duty to inform, educate and inspire all you older Americans to take part in this festive occasion. This year, the theme is to be active and involved, no matter how old you are.
In case you didn’t know what category you are in, check it out. If you were born before 1936, you are part of the G.I. Generation. If you were born between 1937 and 1945, you are part of the Silent Generation. If you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are part of the Baby Boomer generation. If you were born between 1965 and 1976, you are part of Generation X. If you were born between 1977 and 1993, you are a Millennial and for those of you born after 1994, you are part of Generation Z.
Older American Month is the project of the Administration on Aging and wants the older folks to participate in activities that will enrich physical, mental and emotional well-being.
I was born in April 1932. My Dad made $18 that month. I was the first of the Moore clan to go to college, graduate and get a job as a “Big Shot.” If you wore a suit and tie to work, had a parking place, and your name on door you were a” Big Shot.”
The Silent Generation saw the first television, atomic bomb, copy machine, electric typewriter, microwave, refrigerator and car with no gear shift.
After the Korean Conflict we came home, borrowed money to get a house and car and got into debt. And every time the power went out, for some mysterious reason, nine months later we had a kid who would someday be called a Baby Boomer.
We spoiled those kids, so they would never have hardships. Now the Boomers, Gen X and Millennials are celebrating OAM to honor us old people.
You are not required to be a Silent Generation. Hire Snoopy. You know him. He lays on the top of his dog house and dreams. Snoopy says, “Pick a year you like and stay with it.” I chose to be a 35-year-old.
Right now, I am 35 for the 51st time. I made that decision June 12, 2006. I was 74 at the time and my blood pressure was as high as 104/105. My weight was up and down and got as bad as 254. It did not get better overnight. It was dang HARD WORK. My blood pressure is now under control and I am 104 pounds lighter.
What happens if we do not “enrich our physical, emotional and physical wellbeing? You will probably have a life of sickness, illness and chronic disease. I am talking about Alzheimer’s, dementia, sugar diabetes type two, obesity, strokes and heart attacks.
It is not too late for you if you have the desire to change. There is a solution and it’s going to take some work. But it’s worth it friends.
I call the solution- WA, FO, WA and SL. Water, Food, Walk and Sleep. Drink lots of water and cut back and then quit sugar drinks. Eat good food. That means at least six fresh or fresh frozen veggies and fruits and nuts each day. Then get up and walk 20 to 50 minutes every day and get seven or more hours of sleep every night.
WA, FO, WA and SL every day and your life expectancy could be as high as 100 years. Have a HEALTHY LIFE and a HAPPY OAM.
