These days there’s a lot of talk about diversity and prejudice, but nobody talks about age prejudice. To be inclusive, how about including old-timers? Sometimes, like immigrants, we feel like newcomers, but we’re the ones who have been here the longest.

Maes: Old Woman Napping, courtesy Wikimedia

Look at her! This is Wikimedia’s image for a Senior. She’s taking a little snooze, but at least she’s probably not a pothead or zonked out on Oxycodone. They snooze too.

Once I reached 5o, paid work  that included medical benefits was hard to come by. Employers figured I was either too old to learn, or that I’d get sick.

Young parents need time off from work to care for sick kids—they must also cope with vacations, team sports and recitals. Been there, done that. I’ve raised five children. Of course it’s stressful for parents, but a few seasoned staff members can handle the double duty  until parents return.

I started serious writing after I retired. Have you ever noticed the grants, awards, and fellowships for writers under 40? Well, I still have things to say at 82.

A few years ago, an alumna at my college published a book called, Still Boy Crazy at Ninety.

She’s got the right idea.