Serving Our Seniors Magazine Oct-Dec 2023

Our cover story is about Mike Littleton and his son, Jared. The two, won Serving Our Seniors look-alike contest. It is our hope that this contest and this story provokes discussions between older adults and younger adults, about the meaning that is given to the words “old” and “aging.” The younger generations and the older generation have more in common, than is realized. First, and foremost, all of us are aging and growing older. It’s not just happening to the 60+ population. Those who are young / middle-aged adults, today, are the older Americans of the future. How well we age, is influenced by a variety of factors, i.e., our genes, how well we take care of our body, mind and spirit; the degree to which our society values people of older age, our self-concept as an “older” person and the effort we (individually) put into achieving what we want out of later life. Mike Littleton, 72, retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). His self-concept is not defined by his chronological age. He said, “I’m not sure what it means to be old. When I was younger, I thought 30 was old. Today, I tend to think that anyone older than me is ‘old.’ As long as I remain active, I don’t think I am old.” Jared Gadomski Littleton, 42, a hospital Chaplain at the Cleveland Clinic – Lutheran Hospital agrees with his father. “To the extent that the word ‘old’ has a negative connotation, I think it is equated with infirmed.” Then he made a valid point, saying, “I have met 50 year olds, who have been through a lot in their life and come across as ‘old’ and I have met 90 year olds who do not seem ‘old.’ ” The truth is only 10% of older Americans, age 65+, who are living in the community, are physically frail. This means the other 90% of older Americans who are living in the community are not frail. So why is it, in our western culture, are the terms “old” and “aging” is associated with poor health and inability. It could be that our personal experiences shape the meaning of “old.” For Mike, “I think being unable to do things, that you have always been able to do in the past, is how I think about ‘getting old’. Otherwise, age is just a number.” He is not the least bit ashamed to be 72.In fact, Mike said, “I’m happy with my age. I don’t really think about it.” Jared grew up with three grandparents who were active into their 80’s. It wasn’t until their 90’s that he recalls them being less active. This may be responsible for his more optimistic view of the word aging. “I’m happy with my age. I wouldn’t wish to go back to my 20’s or 30’s and I’m looking forward to being in my 50’s.” Both men recognize older age does have its benefits. Jared anticipates his 50’s will be a positive phase of life. His children will become teenagers, he plans to pay off the mortgage on their home and he and his wife will have more freedom as their children become more independent. When you look at aging, like that, what is there to dread? Later life has given Mike the opportunity to live in the moment. He is enjoying today and not worrying about tomorrow. That is not how it was as a younger adult. Although Mike liked his job with the FAA, it was very demanding. He had a rotating schedule, so he never had the same hours. If someone could not come in to work, it meant his eight-hour workday turned into a 16-hour workday, unless relief was found. “I’m not keeping a calendar, anymore. I can finally work on the things that I want to do. I keep up five acres and a pond. We are active in our church, I run video during the services and my wife and I volunteer to read with first graders at a local school.” Because he planned for later life, he credits retirement planning being responsible for the time he and his wife, Kathy, are able to spend with family and traveling. Like younger adults, Mike will take on an intellectual challenge. “My kids convinced me to get rid of my android phone and switch to an i-phone.” Admittedly, it was with some trepidation that Mike set out to teach himself how to use it. After he got started he found out, “It’s not rocket science. It’s just learning how to get around the phone. I have been enjoying that.” Jared explained, “Dad has a fairly high frustration tolerance. Today and in the Future: The Meaning We Give to the Words “Old” and “Aging” Jared Mike 10