Donna's Monthly Column

New Year Resolutions To Better Understand The Mature Adult In Your Life
by Donna Alexander,
Community Outreach Coordinator, The Wayne Senior Center

Interested in better understanding and relating to men and women over age 50?
Here is some helpful information that could enhance your relationships!

Mature adults don't like to be thought of as old. Perhaps it's a reflection of our culture, or merely a desire to be thought of as young and attractive, but the truth is that many older people would prefer not to be referred to by age at all! Senior citizens don't think of themselves as old; they think of themselves as people!

Mature adults prefer to be thought of in an attractive and positive fashion. With increasing concern about health and personal well-being, older adults want products and services that will make them look and feel better physically, socially, and mentally. Not silly or old!

Mature adults are more interested in purchasing experiences rather than things. There are only so many things people buy before they have filled up their houses. However, purchasing products or services to create desirable experiences – well, that's another story! As an extension of the “me generation”, society has come full circle. The concentration on youth and self has filtered up to the older population. Most mature adults are no longer content to altruistically live their lives for their children or grandchildren, but instead for their own fulfillment.

If you are fortunate enough to have a mature adult in your life with whom to grow and learn, a more complete understanding will assist you in enhancing the relationship.

Gray Panther founder, Maggie Kuhn, says “I continue to realize that old age is a time of great fulfillment, when all loose ends of life can be gathered together.

According to Erikson, "Wisdom comes from life experience, well digested. It's not what comes from reading great books. When it comes to understanding life, experiential learning is the only worthwhile kind."

Aren't most ages looking for the same thing? We all want our lives to be validated. We want to be strong, resourceful, loving, resilient, capable, respected and complete. Maybe we're not so different from one another. Maybe age really is only a number.