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Is It Time for Boomer Activism?

MusingsBoomers undoubtedly remember the time when many in their generation made their voices heard about the big issues of the day, such as civil rights, women's rights, and Vietnam. Nowadays, one of the big issues is elder rights, or an even more insidious version of it called ageism.

Boomers are fortunate they have two safety nets that cannot be taken for granted: Social Security and Medicare. Just to give you an idea of the importance of these programs, as of September 2016, over 45 million individuals age 65 or older receive Social Security benefits, and over 54 million aged and disabled individuals are on Medicare.

But there is another side to these programs, as Max Richtman points out. Writing for Next Avenue, Richtman says "these programs continue to be political targets by those who have tried to pit young vs. old, creating a generational battle over limited budget resources.

"Portraying America’s parents and grandparents as 'greedy geezers' who care only about their own benefits (which they’ve earned after a lifetime) at the expense of future generations is one of the most pernicious examples of the ageism that is all too common in our nation. We see it in the workplace, in public debate, between generations and in social policy."

Richtman states loudly and clearly that leaders in government need to address the negative affects of ageism. He says, "Ageism, sadly, pervades our policy discourse, squandering this unique opportunity in our history to create policies, systems and programs that tap into the wealth of experience, knowledge and opportunities that our aging community provides.

"The 14 percent of America that is now over 65 should be at the heart of public policies to improve our nation’s health care system and to increase employment opportunities, fair housing, and economic equity that can stretch across all generations."

So if you're looking for a way to become an activist again -- look to your own self-interest. It turns out that, as Boomers live longer, fighting against ageism has become a top issue. 

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