New Seniors

These men and women, many not even out of high school and having just gone through a decade-long depression, put the safety of their family, friends and community ahead of themselves. They came from rich and poor families, educated and nearly illiterate ones, some were famers others city dwellers. The make up was as diverse as America itself.

Everyone was part of the war effort. Besides those fighting the war, defense work was a priority at home. Rationing of food, gas and luxuries was commonplace. Even the children were involved with paper and scrape metal drives plus selling War Bonds in conjunction with the schools. Virtually all families had someone in the armed services and every community suffered when one of theirs was lost in the war.

World War II was fought by every American in some way. That’s why New Seniors and those older remember it so vividly to this day, nearly 70 years later. Sadly, the people who lead us to victory are leaving us at an increasing rate. The Greatest Generation is big in its accomplishments, but their ranks are becoming smaller. We already miss their wisdom, and the courage they displayed is remembered in stories rather than in news reports as it once was.

Before it’s too late, we should talk to these true American heroes and find out why they did the unselfish things they did without asking for praise or reward. This is something New Seniors are well equipped to do. In fact, it is our responsibility to honor these patriots and get the word out to the rest of the population, starting with the aging Baby Boomer who benefited so much from what these folks did. Tell them to get over Viet Nam, when the only thing many of them did was to complain rather than serve. If they can’t do that, the future of America looks bleak, indeed.

Then, pass the word on to the Gen X and Y groups who never had to sacrifice anything until recently when jobs became scarce, cars and homes were reposed and their credit cards got maxed out. This are the generations that have not paid their dues but seem unwilling to pay more for services they intend to use in the future. They don’t realize that unless we all help finance Social Security and Health Care there won’t be any programs to aid them.

And, last but not least, what about the politicians? They are not being asked to sacrifice their personal money. We just want them to have the courage to make the right decisions, without regard to party lines. Government programs must be fixed so people can start earning money in order to pay for the changes that will ensure funds are ready when needed and the United States can collectively have the courage and wherewithal to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Don Potter: Editor-in-Chief

Don Potter, a veteran of the ad agency business, is a Philadelphia native currently living in Los Angeles. He is the author of an acclaimed marketing book, The 50+ Boomer: Your Key to 76 Million Consumers. In retirement, Potter has written two novels, hundreds of articles and is a frequent lecturer. A leading advocate for those 65+, he is a founder of NewSeniors.com.

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