Wednesday, April 28, 2021
On Being A Senior: Aging Is Like Marinating, You Just Keep Getting More Delicious
For those of you who are seniors, you'll most likely identify with some of the things I am about to share in this post. For those of you who are not a senior at the moment, you may find this interesting.
Annoyances Of Being A Senior-
I think it's funny how right after you turn 65, your name, address, and personal information goes into a huge box with everyone else who just turned 65, at which time you get bombarded with a shitload of mail (both email and snail mail) that constantly reminds you that you're getting old, so you better prepare for old-age and all the tragic things that come with it, such as: declining health, additional health insurance, life insurance, dying, and funeral arrangements so that your family and friends aren't left with the awful burden of not knowing whether to bury you or cremate you, and whether to sprinkle your ashes under the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, or along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, while they toast you with glasses of limoncello.
It's as if all these insurance and healthcare companies are perched on their fences like a bunch of mouth-watering vultures, anxiously waiting for people to become seniors, so that they can (1) - put the fear of aging deep into your psyche. And (2) - meet their quota and receive a commission on what they can offer you to make the aging process less horrendous.
Because let's be honest, aging is a big business. And fear sells.
The brochures they send you always say something along the lines of, "We know how difficult aging can be, so we're here to help you in your time of need. Just reach out to us, and we'll be there to take you by the hand and walk you through it."
At only 65, they speak to you as though you're merely two minutes away from taking your last breath.
Fortunately, I don't scare easily, so I don't buy into all their old-age fear mongering. I'm now at a point where the second I open my mailbox and see an envelope that reads - Open Immediately! Time Sensitive Material Enclosed - I toss it right in the garbage.
Last October, when I was choosing a supplemental insurance policy to go with my Medicare insurance, I received mail from various insurance companies literally THREE to FOUR times a week, along with solicitation calls on my landline phone. Thank God I don't give out my cell phone number when it comes to any kind of business related stuff, or I know I'd be getting calls, voicemails, and texts, on my smartphone as well. Even now, I still get crap in the mail.
So yes, that part of being a senior can be annoying as all hell.
Perks Of Being A Senior-
Along with the annoyances, there are some really cool perks to being a senior.
Like, Senior Discounts.
Yabba dabba doo!
Many of the stores here in Philadelphia offer discounts to seniors on specific days of the week. The discounts average between 10-15%.
Philadelphia also offers a "Senior Fare Card", that allows anyone 65 and over to use public transportation (buses, subways, trollies, and the regional railway) for FREE. In fact, I just got my card last month and took advantage of the railway last weekend and traveled out to Chestnut Hill for the day. I enjoyed a great afternoon of walking around the Farmer's Market and treating myself to lunch. Normally, I would have paid $15.00 for a round trip ticket to Chestnut Hill.
Also, I recently discovered that Amtrak offers a 15% senior discount on most Amtrak trains. So, I just might start taking Amtrak to New York instead of using Megabus because the price of Megabus has gotten ridiculously expensive since COVID. Besides, I've become very disenchanted with the service on Megabus over the past three years (dirty buses, no WiFi, and frequent late arrivals and departures). The last time I took Megabus the bus got a flat tire on I-95, so we had to pull over to the side of road and wait (40 mins) for another bus to take us back to Philly. And they never offered any kind of apology or reimbursement for the inconvenience.
So, do you know what I have to say to Megabus after being a loyal customer for the past 12 years?
*middle finger gesture*
In Conclusion-
Yes, we are all going to age and become seniors, that's a fact.
However, I will age in my own way; not the way I'm instructed to age.
So if you're a senior, or becoming a senior anytime soon, remember...
Don't allow this world to fear you into aging by giving you preconceived ideas about how it's going to be. Be realistic, but don't buy into the fear.
Take full advantage of senior discounts because you deserve them.
But most of all remember this...
"Aging Is Like Marinating, You Just Keep Getting More Delicious."
Bon appétit!
Have a fantastical rest of your week, y'all!
💗
Ron, I love your sense of humor and your perception of things! You're so right, aging is a big business. And not only when it comes to seniors, but aging overall. Like you said, it's perpetuated by using fear tactics, as if aging is all doom and gloom. You're so smart not to buy into it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really great that Philadelphia is generous with their senior discounts, especially the Senior Fare Card because I'm sure that's a big help living in a city and using public transportation. I didn't know about Amtrak. I'll have to tell my mother about that because she uses Amtrak several times a year to visit friends.
Love that quote, Ron! xo
Yes, I know what you mean about the deluge of junk mail like that, and I’m still in my 50’s. We started getting AARP crap the day we turned 50 (and May I ask, who retires at age 50??) Lately, it’s been the monthly ‘invitation’ to a free dinner at a local restaurant to get you to sit through some investment retirement BS. I had no idea there were other vultures out there, awaiting me at age 65!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad to hear that there are senior discounts out there that are actually useful! It seems the only ones I’ve heard about are dumb things like a discount at Wendy’s. One discount I was happy to take advantage of is that Best Western hotels offer a discount starting at age 55!
Thanks for this informative post, Ron. I’m excited to hear about your Amtrak adventures. My family took Amtrak from Cleveland to Albuquerque once when I was 13. It was very exciting and we got to see a lot of the U.S.
Ron, this post is hilarious and so accurate at that same time! My husband is 67, I'm 66. And he and I started receiving mail and phone calls a YEAR before we even hit 65. And like you said, we're still getting stuff in the mail. Picking a supplemental insurance to go with Medicare was the most confusing thing because we had so many different options from so many different companies. We finally picked one, but then switched after the first year to a less expensive premium.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love how Philadelphia offers a FREE senior pass on public transportation, because New York only offered a discount. I've got to say that Philly is very senior-friendly. They seem to genuinely care about their seniors here. I did not know about the Amtrak discount. Thank you for sharing that because my hubby and I sometimes use Amtrak to travel back to NY.
"Aging Is Like Marinating, You Just Keep Getting More Delicious." Flawless, Ron! And my husband and I agree LOL!
Have a great week, neighbor! xo
What a great outlook on aging, Ron! Yes, I agree that Fear sells. They do the same thing with beauty and healthcare products, cars, and so forth. I guess they've found that tactic successful, or they'd choose another way to get us to buy stuff.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's wonderful that just turning "a certain age" entitles you to all those discounts! Almost makes turning 65 something to look forward to, huh?!! You rock, my friend! xx
Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment that I love the artichoke hearts photo because I love artichokes! I put them in everything, salads, pasta, wraps, etc. I even eat them right out of the jar!
ReplyDeleteOMG, me too, Elaine! I buy mine at Trader Joe's and add them to so many things. I LOVE them in pasta!!! I even use the oil inside the jar and mix it with my salad dressings and pasta sauces. YUM-MY!
ReplyDeleteHey there Debbie!
ReplyDelete" They do the same thing with beauty and healthcare products, cars, and so forth."
You are absolutely right about that, they do the same thing with so many other things as well. At this moment in our country, I've never seen the "fear tactic" being used as much as it's ever been used to scare people. And I refuse to buy into it.
"it's wonderful that just turning "a certain age" entitles you to all those discounts! Almost makes turning 65 something to look forward to, huh?!! "
HA! Sure does! And I never knew these discounts were even offered to seniors until many of the people who I've worked with, who are also seniors, told me about them. Particularly, the Senior Fare Card. It's awesome!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And you rock too!
Have a great week!
X
Hey there Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYes, me too! I started getting the mail crap before I turned 65. But then once my birthday kicked in, the mail and solicitation increased by TONS. Like I said, I still get it!
"Picking a supplemental insurance to go with Medicare was the most confusing thing because we had so many different options from so many different companies. We finally picked one, but then switched after the first year to a less expensive premium."
OMG, I hear ya' because I had the hardest time selecting one too. And the book they sent me with all the choices of doctor's and dentists was note updated, so I kept choosing ones that were no longer on the list. I finally chose a supplement with no premium. It was a trade off with other things, however, if I end up not liking it, I can change it in a year.
Yes, as you know, I'm not a big fan of this city. However, I have to admit that I'm very impressed with how Philly cares for their seniors. That's really nice.
I found out about Amtrak only because I was checking out fares to NYC and saw on their website that they offer a senior citizen discount. That's why I may use them (at lease some of the time) when I go to NYC for the day.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaabulous week!
X
" I know what you mean about the deluge of junk mail like that, and I’m still in my 50’s. We started getting AARP crap the day we turned 50 (and May I ask, who retires at age 50??) "
ReplyDeleteOMG, yes...yes...yes!!!! Me too! And I agree, who the hell retires at age 50?!?!?
" Lately, it’s been the monthly ‘invitation’ to a free dinner at a local restaurant to get you to sit through some investment retirement BS. I had no idea there were other vultures out there, awaiting me at age 65!"
HA! See...what did I tell you? These companies prey on seniors! And they push the whole "retirement thing" which is ridiculous because even though I'm 65, I STILL work. I'm not even close to retiring. I actually enjoy working!
Yup, some of the discount stuff here in Philly starts at age 55. I remember going into a Walgreens when I was 55 and the cashier asked me if I wanted her to apply the senior discount to my purchase. I say, Yesssireee!
I LOVE train travel because I love looking out the window at the passing scenery. It's so much fun. I like it much better than flying. Amtrak is not cheap, however, with the discount they offer to seniors, it does reduce the price a decent amount.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME rest of your week!
X
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteHA! I just couldn't resist being snarky in this post. And you're right, it's a big business with aging overall. And they present it to you with this doom and gloom attitude, as if aging is horrible. And they use fear to do it.
Yes, I'm very impressed (and grateful) that Philly is so generous and considerate when it comes to their seniors. And I had no idea about it until other people told me about it. And then after I started to investigating, I discovered even more things.
I ADORE Amtrak, however, it can be quite expensive. Even a ticket from Philly to NYC (which is only a little over an hour) can range from $75-$80 ONE WAY! But with the discount (and if I choose the right times), that can be greatly reduced.
Isn't the quote fabulous? I found it online!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your day and week!
X
"and whether to sprinkle your ashes under the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, or along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, while they toast you with glasses of limoncello." ROFLMAO! Ron, how the hell do you come up with this stuff? Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI've always told you that I really admire your outlook on aging, and I hope to be that way as I get up there in age. Even though I'm not a senior, I can definitely see how aging is a big business and how much of it comes from the fear and worry that people have about getting older.
I think it's great that you city provides discounts and perks for the seniors. I have to check my area and see if they offer things like that to our seniors. I sure hope they do.
And speaking of New York, have you been back since Covid? I know how much you love that city, so I do hope you get there soon, since things seem to be leveling off in many places here in the US.
Thanks for sharing your life experiences with us, dude. I learn from them!
Hey Ron, I'm going to forward this post to my parents who are your age because I know they would get a lot out of it from your viewpoint. You have such a great attitude. I hope to have that same attitude when I become a senior. I've always been very protective and concerned about senior citizens, especially those who are up there in age. I worry about them, and hope they have people around them who can care for them. We need to take care of ALL our senior citizens. I know that Japan is very much a senior-friendly country. They consider their elderly valuable because of their life experiences. And they honor them.
ReplyDeleteHiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I don't know how think of these things, they just seem to pop into my head. I always tell people, "I ain't right!"
Thank you for your kind words. I've always been a person (even when I was younger) who loved older people and couldn't wait until I got older myself. Yes, your body changes as you age, but the life experience and knowledge you gain from aging is such a gift, that comes from aging.
Yes, I'm very impressed and grateful for the perks Philly offers to its seniors. It's really awesome!
No, I have not been back to NYC yet, but hope to sometime in April. I want to get there before the "heat" of summer kicks in because, as you know, I am not a fan of summer. I'm seriously thinking of taking Amtrak because it's not that much more expensive than Megabus. I can't wait to see it again and take some pictures!
Always a joy to read your comments, my friend. Have a spectacular rest of your week!
X
Hello there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI so love (and respect) what you said about caring for senior citizens. And I too feel the same way. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for our elderly. We need to respectful towards them.
" I know that Japan is very much a senior-friendly country. They consider their elderly valuable because of their life experiences. And they honor them."
Yes!!!!!! I don't know if you knew this because we haven't known each other very long, but I traveled to Japan in the 90's and lived (and worked) there for a little over two months. And what you said is so true about how they honor their elderly because I got to actually see that when I was there. In fact, that's one of the MANY things I loved about that country. I LOVE the Japanese culture!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings. Always nice to see your comments. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Oh Ron, no I didn't know that you worked and LIVED in Japan. How wonderful! I have always wanted to visit, and may someday. I studied Japanese history when I was in college and was fascinated by it. Where did you live?
ReplyDeleteIsn't Japanese history utterly fascinating? When I was there, I wanted to know all about the history and traditions. I lived in Kobe, but traveled to Kyoto and Osaka. I shared several posts on my blog over the years about my time in Japan, so if you type the word japan in the blog search at the top of this blog, it will take you to all the posts I've written. Back in March, I shared a post on Japan and my thoughts on reincarnation. You might find that one very interesting -- http://www.triloquist.net/2021/03/reincarnationliving-before.html#more
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy them!
Getting old is definitely not for sissies! Since Entrepreneur's expiration date might be earlier than mine, we went ahead and paid in advance for his funeral/memorial. It is a huge weight off our shoulders to know it's basically all taken care of so when the time does come, I'm not running around trying to deal with that as well. In fact, it was so easy, we've paid for mine too....although I plan to not use it for many, many more years. But, hey, who knows? We are enjoying the senior discounts too! Now that we are essentially retired, we can come and go whenever we want. Huge perk. Every day is a gift and we should celebrate living in every way possible while we still can. X
ReplyDeleteYes, you are so right, Lisa! And it's ironic you mentioned that because actress, Bette Davis, had a needlepoint pillow in the living room of her New York apartment that read, "Old Age Ain't No Place for Sissies."
ReplyDelete"Since Entrepreneur's expiration date might be earlier than mine, we went ahead and paid in advance for his funeral/memorial. It is a huge weight off our shoulders to know it's basically all taken care of so when the time does come, I'm not running around trying to deal with that as well. "
That is very wise of you. And yes, all that you and Entrepreneur have been through over the years, I'm sure that is a huge weight off your shoulders.
Aren't the senior discounts faaaaaabulous? And yes, now that your essentially retired, it's a wonderful feeling to come and go whenever you want. And you deserve it!
I love what you said about every day being a gift we should celebrate because you are absolutely right. And that's something we come fully understand as we age, don't we. I feel the same way.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, my friend. Hope you're enjoying spring where you're at. It's been very warm and humid here the past two days (upper 80's), almost like summer. However, the next couple of days go back to being more spring-like.
X
"Don't allow this world to fear you into aging by giving you preconceived ideas about how it's going to be. Be realistic, but don't buy into the fear."
ReplyDeleteOh Ron, I want to be just like YOU when I get 65! You have such a wonderful way of embracing the process of aging, yet at the same time, pointing out the annoyances. HILARIOUS commentary, as always!
And how great that Philly offers not only offers discounts, but FREE use of its public transportation. And that's the way is such be everywhere! I can't wait until you start visiting New York City again because I enjoy your photos and stories.
Have a wonderful weekend, Ron xo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteI've always had a positive outlook when it comes to aging. Even as a kid, I couldn't wait to get older. There are definitely changes in your body as you getting older, however, there is also a wealth of knowledge too. Your perception about so many thing change. For me, it's important to stay involved in and curious about life because that's what keeps me going.
I agree, that's the way it should be everywhere. I may be going to NYC in May. And I want to go before it gets too hot. I am so looking forward to getting back there.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have an awesome weekend!
X
This was perfect! I've been getting that creepy junk mail since I hit my 50s, they didn't scare me then and they aren't going to get me now. You're right, they are like vultures just waiting to pounce. I'm so glad you have some useful discounts there. We have some nice store discounts but that's the only thing I've taken advantage of. I suppose there are probably more that I'm not even aware of. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today. It's nice to "meet" you. Let's just keep on marinating ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, Ron, thank you so much for this witty, heartfelt post. As someone who is just a year away from turning 65, I really appreciate your insights on this most sensitive issue.
ReplyDeleteThe mailings have started already for me. Last year I got a notice from a cemetery looking to sell me a plot and a senior retirement home in the same day's mail!
One at a time, boys, please!
My older friends have told me about the senior discounts, which should be really cool. And shame on that Megabus bunch for leaving on the hook like that. Great tip about Amtrak, by the way!
Great post, buddy! I raise my glass of limoncello to you!
Hello there, Martha!
ReplyDelete..."they didn't scare me then and they aren't going to get me now.'
*applause*
Good for you because that's how they try to get people. Like I shared, we should be realistic about aging, but not fearful. I've always had the attitude of embracing aging, but at the same time staying present and curious. I love to learn new things. And at age, I'm still learning.
And yes, I too started getting that creepy mail earlier than 65.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by. Looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Have a superb weekend!
X
Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, glad you enjoyed. Yes...I know that next year you'll be 65 too, and that is something to CELEBRATE!
"The mailings have started already for me. Last year I got a notice from a cemetery looking to sell me a plot and a senior retirement home in the same day's mail!
One at a time, boys, please!"
HA! Yes.....THANK YOU!!!! And see, that's what I mean, these business all gang up on us and bombard us with their "selling spiel"
Yup, and take advantage of the discounts because you deserve them. I found about them from friends as well because I didn't even know they existed. I can't WAIT to try Amtrak when I start visiting NYC again. I may be coming sometime in May. I'll let you know.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific weekend! And say hello to NY for me!
X
Amen to this - and thanks for the laugh! And free transportation - wow!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got a laugh, my friend! Amen to us!
ReplyDeleteYup, can you believe it? FREE transportation! And I'm going to take advantage of it too.
Much thanks for stopping by. Have an AWESOME weekend!
X
As others have commented, Ron, this was a great post topic. We are also senior club members and yes on the discounts not only for transportation as you mentioned, but also in restaurants, not just fast food places, which also offer them, but which we rarely frequent.
ReplyDeleteIn reply to the comment by Bijoux and yourself at “who retires at age 50?” Happily, that would be me but at age 51, after being downsized from my last job. Sure, I searched for work, but soon realized age was a factor. Coincidentally, my last day of employment was 9/11/2001 so never forgotten.
Yes, now that my husband and I are fully qualified seniors in our early 70s we still receive the mailings you mentioned, supplemental medicare plans, funeral services, insurance...all recycled now. We are card carrying AARP members as well, and my husband, Patrick, is a former firefighter and retired Navy veteran. Lately, the military discounts have started to be more widespread, which is very nice for all who served and were previously ignored in so many ways.
We have used the Amtrak discount and hope to do so in future travel. Here in Nashua, there is a senior pass which also allows unlimited bus travel, but Philly has much more interesting locales than Nashua, NH so I would prefer to travel there.
And finally, seniors need to NOT act their age because it is what keeps us younger. We have seen people years younger than ourselves who act as if they literally have both feet in the ground. For us, age is a state of mind. There’s no escaping it, but we don’t want to succumb to it either.
Hey there D!
ReplyDeleteLOVED your final paragraph!
*applause*
And my sentiments exactly. Aging is a state of mind. And me too, I've seen people years younger (and I'm talking 20's and 30's) who act much older. They seem to have very low energy and no staying-power. I have more energy than they do.
And good for you for retiring at 51! Although I went on early SS, I still work because I actually enjoy working. However, I only work part-time because I have to wait two more years before I hit full-retirement age, which will allow me to work more hours AND still get my SS without affecting it.
"Lately, the military discounts have started to be more widespread, which is very nice for all who se rved and were previously ignored in so many ways."
Yes, I totally agree! Our military should be honored that way.
I only just recently found out about the FREE public transportation here in Philly and the Amtrak discount. I was informed by several people who I used to work with.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and insight on this topic. Very much appreciated!
Have a faaaaaabulous Sunday!
X
Right after I was diagnosed with cancer I got an invitation urging me to come to an event to pre-plan my funeral. And I was still a decade away from 65! I declined.
ReplyDeleteAging can be tough, but I have truly gotten to a place where I am so grateful to be here that I just don't care what anyone things of us older folks. And hey, I'll take any discounts they want to throw my way!
"I got an invitation urging me to come to an event to pre-plan my funeral. And I was still a decade away from 65! I declined."
ReplyDeleteOMG, you're kidding me?!?! That's horrible. You see how these companies are? They just sit there like vultures, just waiting for the right moments to send you a bunch of shit in the mail.
"Aging can be tough, but I have truly gotten to a place where I am so grateful to be here that I just don't care what anyone things of us older folks."
LOVE how you said that! And that's a very healthy and freeing place to be, isn't it?
YES! The discounts are faaaaaaaaaaabulous! HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! X