Is Getting Older Now a Crime in America?
My Day by Dr. J. Ester Davis
Why is there such ongoing lengthy dialogue about President Biden’s age? What does 80 years of age have to do with performance, knowledge base and cognizance? Who are you to offer an opinionated proforma on such a proven leader about age? How is it still acceptable to perpetuate stereotypes of older Americans as befuddled, ill, out of touch, painting with a single misinformed brush for more than 120 million Americans over the age of 65? Only in America!
I am happy that Joe Biden has announced his candidacy for a second term as President of the United States. He is able, capable, up for the challenge and …. he will win! Just get ready to vote at any cost.
I remember William “Bill” Blair, founding publisher of The Elite News. Watching him conduct the daily Roundtable Reserved Lunch at Luby’s for years was a masterful symphony-in-motion. He was a former Negro Baseball League Player and knew every team. Mr. Blair would correct people about their own history. He was always 100% right. It was amazing! His memory and recollection was beyond reproach, matchless and his awaiting public listened intensely to every word beyond the recall. Bill Blair lived in good health and humor into his early 90’s.
In 2020, 1 in 6 Americans were age 65 and over. AARP noted that older Americans made up the happiest age group… living their best possible life. You can just get ready to throw out what ‘use-to-be’ because age is moving on with the rest of the universe. Americans over 65 and older are expected to grow from 34 million to 48 million in the next two decades.
Let’s take a look at age today. Setting aside the other aged elected officials. I do not have time nor space to list them, but Senator Grassley just reelected is 89 years old. Senator Feinstein is 89. Pope Frances is 85 years old. The Ruler of Kuwait is 85 years old. The King of Norway is 85 and is an accomplished sailor. Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones leader is 80 and still maintains a demanding global schedule. Mrs. Katherine Jackson, the Jackson Matriarch is 93. Clint Eastwood is 93, Morgan Freeman at 81 has several movies in post-production. Ursula Burns turned 65, the first black female CEO of Xerox Corporation. Diana Ross is 79. Warren Buffett, the greatest investor of all times is 87…as is Earnestine Shepherd, the Guinness World Record Oldest Female Body Builder.* Michele Obama’s Mother, Marian Lois Robinson is 86 years old and one last very important person, Janet Yellen, the Secretary of Treasury is 77 years old.
At my church is a celebrated Deacon who has lived in South Dallas all of his life. Deacon Philip Brooks is 95. It is “soul stirring” to hear him lead all of those ole hymns without “messing up” any of the verbiage.
Attacking President Biden’s age is non-news. As a voter, I knew his age when I placed my vote. America is reaping the benefits of his experience, wisdom, moral values, sound judgement and history will indeed give him credit for putting this country back together again.
You will get older if you wake up every day.
*Mark your calendars. Ernestine Shepherd will be in Dallas for the 22nd Fitness Festival, October 7, 2023. Celebrating Life Foundation. Call 214.475.0661.
