Voices in My Head
70 Years of living. Becoming an Older Latino in America.
70 years old. There’s nothing magical about the number 70. Yes, it’s a big birthday but not as big as 25 (a quarter of a century old). And I can’t forget 30 (Don’t trust anyone over 30). 50 (Thank you AARP) or 62 (Social Security) and 65 (Medicare). Coming next is 75 (Holy smoke, ¾ of a century). 70 years seems so small compared to those other numerical milestones. Which is why I’m mystified as to why it’s become a big deal for me. I’ll be hitting 70 years on December 8 and its arrival looms large in my mind. Mostly, because I can’t figure out what I’m supposed to feel. I don’t feel 70. As if I knew what feeling 70 years would feel like. I’m moving slower. That’s for sure. There are pains in places that I didn’t think possible. I’m developing cataracts in both eyes, I swear my hearing is getting shaky (20% loss now but I need 50% before I can get hearing aids), blood pressure, prostate, and this month, I’ll be getting full knee replacement on my left leg with my right knee scheduled for next year this time.
Holy Communion innocence
Confirmation serious
I’m older. Not old. That’s what I like to scream when I’m told I’m old. Why are we scared of that word and that reality? We like to think that our parents and our grandparents are old but we’re not. We’re just getting older. And there will be many more joining us.
According to Jonathan Vespa with the U.S. Census Bureau, “In less than two decades, the graying of America will be inescapable: Older adults are projected to outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history.” Vespa writes the country will reach a new milestone in 2035. “The U.S. Census Bureau projects that older adults will edge out children in population size: People age 65 and over are expected to number 78.0 million, while children under age 18 will number 76.4 million.
[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]
The Hispanic/Latino population will nearly double between 2016 and 2060; from 55.5 million to 111.2 million. The percentage of Hispanic/Latino elders (I think that’s me) 65 years and older will go from 8.06% of the total population to more than 21%. Aging will always be with us. It’s only a question of how you want or can handle it. In a 2017 report from National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), they described older Hispanic/Latinos this way,
“Hispanic older adults continue to face daunting challenges in the areas of retirement security, healthy aging, discrimination, housing and access to programs. They are struggling to age with dignity, often facing the specters of homelessness and hunger, as well as chronic disease.”
A nerd 1966
Television Reporter 1976
A mess in New York 1983
The report goes on to say that older (love that word) Hispanic/Latinos “are eager to be civically engaged” (that about describes me). And I agree with their belief that we are “ready to share insightful and concrete recommendations to address the challenges” we face. For many of us who are baby boomers and came of age in the struggles of the sixties, we just can’t let our passions go.
I’ve taken the knowledge and experience I’ve earned (sometimes in a really hard way) and used it to shape a new life philosophy, fresh goals, and a more rounded perspective on it all. Most interestingly has been my increased hunger for more knowledge. Two years ago, I enrolled in Long Beach City College in a quest to finally grab a gold ring that has eluded me for more than 45 years, a college degree. A Bachelor of Arts degree. It’s not like I hadn’t tried. This is my fourth attempt and so far, I’m doing alright. Okay, maybe more than alright. 4.0 GPA, Honor Student, member of the Honor Society PTK, and most recently, appointed a President’s Ambassador which, I’m told, is a big deal. And I’ve gotten really daring. I’ve switched from a Journalism major and am now aiming for English with an emphasis on Creative Nonfiction. To sweeten it, maybe a minor in American History post World War Two. I’m taking my time confidently. The goal is to transfer in 2-3 years to California State University, Long Beach. Probably take another 2-3 years to graduate with that Bachelor of Arts. Hell, maybe even graduate school. Why not?
Peering into the future
Whats next?
I don’t intend to allow age stop me. It’s just a damn number. Older, I like the sound of that. You get a chance to appreciate that you’re still breathing, heart beating. My mind still works. My ambition still rolls on. I still have dreams and goals. There’s no time to think about the show ending, there’s too much to still do and see. 70 years. Don’t know why that’s such a big deal to me. It just is. I’ll savor it. For a moment. And then move on to 71.
