August was a month of birthdays for me and several members of my family – from a 1-year old to a 75-year old and several stages in between. Such events bring a flood of thoughts and memories.

Until I see the third generation of our family, I do not consider myself “old.” Yet when I think of all the things in the world they have been born into, I realize I have had quite a life. They will never know a world without computers and amazing electronics. Space exploration will be no big deal for them, while I remember Sputnik’s successful launch when I was in Teachers’ College. A decade later, we watched men land on the moon.

They live in the city where I grew up. Just as it was for me, it will be a great place for them to grow and live. But it is certainly not the same city. I have been gone from ‘home’ 50 years, and it seems to me that they waited until I left to turn the place into a thriving metropolis instead of a nice, comfortable city.

A birthday, at any age, makes me stop and think about what has been and what lies ahead. Aging does not get proper appreciation. Lots of jokes, some not very funny, are made about getting older. As a group, we are seen as crotchety old folks blocking your way in a grocery aisle, driving either too slow or too fast, unable to understand what you are saying, shuffling along in a line that you want to have move faster, having difficulty writing a check or getting money out of a wallet.

One consolation for us is that one day you may experience the same reactions. White hair and sensible shoes do not mean we have left the planet. In fact, we have tried to make the planet a better place, but so far no younger person has said, “Thanks for all you did.”

The medical profession looks at our birth dates and concludes “Well, you are getting older.” My response to this is that the doctor may tell me certain parts are getting older, but certainly, I am not! I think that is part of the public perception about age. Our bodies are showing some weaknesses; therefore, we are all diminished. We are not!

For those who become ill and possibly incapacitated, we need a special place in our hearts for them. They did not ask to be put on the sidelines, but something happened to put them there. We also need a special place for their caregivers.

We still like to have fun, enjoy life and participate as fully as we can. There is a great title for one of the many books on aging: “From Age-ing to Sage-ing.” I love that idea.

Ours is one of the few cultures in the world that does not give added value to our elders.

So when you see that white-haired person shuffling along in front of you, take a good look. He or she likely has a lot more going for them than you might imagine.

E-mail Robson at info@outreachnc.com.