Guest Author - Laura Strathman Hulka

America has frequently been called a melting pot – but I prefer to think of it as a tossed salad, each ingredient bringing flavor and taste to the whole. Worldwide, seniors are now encompassing and embracing a wide variety of beliefs, traditions and experiences. The “new” middle age is now considered 40-60 years of age, senior age 60-80, and elderly 80 and over. So within that newly developed dynamic, how can we enhance the flavors of our lives? What ways can we be part of the future, and improve the present?

For example, within the changing mores and social discernment of world society comes an increased understanding and acceptance of Gays and Lesbians. More and more often, Gay and Lesbian couples are becoming involved in the community, and as they age, becoming a political and social force with which to be reckoned. This empowerment is a huge boon to all of us, as seniors, because the Gay/Lesbian population is often politically perceptive, experienced in the ways of making things happen, and interested in creating strong ties within their neighborhoods. As they join the ranks of mature adults, they can bring these skills and commitments to the needs of seniors, specifically healthcare and medical issues, as well as economics and social security.

Another aspect of the growing world-view for seniors is the increased understanding and appreciation of a multitude of cultures and religious backgrounds. Worldwide, despite the horrors of 9/11 and war, most of us are trying to open up to an awareness of how different cultures and religions think, feel, approach daily life. We can only be enriched by our acceptance of these differences, and that acceptance allows more discernment and an increased insight, a circle of strength and humanitarian ideals. What do you know about Islam, Muslims, Buddhism, etc. that you didn’t know as a young adult? As seniors, we have a vast experience and an ongoing interest in learning, experiencing, creating, and teaching. We can use our personal talents, as well as our clout as seniors, to reach out to children, as well as adults, in teaching mode. It can be as simple as attending church, library presentations, focus groups, special interest groups. Alternatively, if you are homebound, or a homebody, you can use the Internet to get active, to reach others. You can send snail mail letters for organizations you are interested in, help get out the vote, write articles, or find ways to use your senior power to enhance the tossed salad! As our understanding expands, geographically, so does our world shrink. The Internet, fast planes, cell phones and more technology makes it easier to stay connected and to reach others.

I know that as a senior, my world within my own perimeters is actually shrinking, because I work from home, I live next door to my grandchildren, and all my physical activities take place within a 100 miles or so of my house. Yet I have many friends worldwide, due to the Internet. Bella Online has a worldwide audience, and my interests allow me the opportunity to seek out new friends and growth opportunities. THIS, to me, is what the tossed salad is all about; adding new flavors (experiences, friends) to the salad we already have, and learning to appreciate the differences that those new flavors bring to the whole. We are never too old to learn, and never to young to appreciate the unique and the special. We may vary by how we seek out new people, new groups, new happenings, but the important thing is that we do seek them out. Growth and learning isn’t limited to the young, and who better to give back to the world than its seniors?