A Good Enough Daughter
As a professional in the field of aging, Sara had seen it all—until her own mother broke her hip at the age of 88 and became profoundly confused, unable to live in her own home. Join Sara on her journey through the strangeness that is dementia while trying to make sense of it all and finding humor in the details. [Editor's note: Sara no longer contributes to Silver Planet, but we have made her archived blog entries available as a service to our readers.]
You Have to Vote!
When you go to the polls on November 4, 2008, notice the ages of those who are there to move the process along. Almost everyone will be over age 65. On that day, all across America, older adults will be arriving at voting stations at 5:30 a.m. to set up voting booths and registration confirmation tables. Many will stay at their stations for more than 12 hours, break down voting booths and tables after the polls close, and transport boxes of ballots to the precinct drop-off location later that evening.
I asked Shirley Kelley, a woman in her mid-70s, why she worked the past six elections. Shirley explained, “The same people have been doing this for years. It’s a way to meet up again and stay connected to the community.” Shirley remembered a particularly vivid election day held September 11, 2001. “We were all at the German American Club and people had started to come in to vote. TVs were all around us. When the planes hit those buildings, it was horrible! But we were there together and we had someone to talk to. I think it was better than being alone.”
Older adults are more likely to be registered voters and more likely to vote than those in any other age groups. One study in California found that 92% of Californians older than 65 were registered and 78% were likely to vote—much higher percentages than for younger adults. The same study found that interest in politics increases with age: only 19% of those 18–24 say they have a great deal of interest in politics compared to 34% of those older than 65.
While older adults tend to be more skeptical about “honest government,” they also tend to believe that voting is part of being a citizen. As Shirley says, “It’s what you do! You have to vote.”
By Sara Myers
The Good Enough Daughter Blog
Our Silver Advisors™ are professional geriatric care managers and other experts who provide phone consultations on preventing falls, navigating Medicare, evaluating senior driving challenges, and other issues baby boomers must resolve while caring for an aging loved one. Silver Advisors clarify concerns, suggest a plan of action, help prioritize next steps, and furnish personalized written plans and recommendations. All callers receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
What We Do
Silver Planet® helps baby boomers guide their parents to age in place by providing services and products related to aging at home and housing options.
