By Judie Donaldson

Let me begin with a confession. I don’t know what I thought about old people when I was young. No, wait. Let me be really honest. I didn’t think a lot about them at all, except that they were old. In fact, I suspect that I discounted them. After all, what did old people have to offer? I knew that staying young was what counted in the world. I had bought the mantra of the media hook, line, and sinker. I loved it when people said that I looked much younger than my age. I stayed current with the clothes and attitudes of young people. I was cool and hip. And those unwanted grey hairs? You can better believe that I took care of them with a bottle of color. It’s painful to admit to the ignorance of a world view that I held for more years than I’d like to disclose. But now, the inevitable has happened. I’m one of those old people. And I’m an old woman on a mission to tout a point of view that old people are important people – with a lot of life in them and with a lot to give. Hmmm. I’ve become a revolutionary in my old age.
I’ve joined the revolution in aging because it’s one that emphasizes a positive and constructive view of growing older. It urges seniors to make choices that will enable the last stage of their lives to be as happy, productive and active as possible. It’s the basis of Carquinez Village. (More about that later.) Before I talk about this shift in thinking, let me comment on its origin. It’s been fueled by two factors: an increase in life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomers. Life expectancy at birth in the U.S. in 2010 was 10.5 years longer than it was in 1950. And demographic change? It’s even more extreme. As a result of the baby boomers, 10,000 individuals will turn 65 each year for the next 15 years. In fact, the landscape is already changing. In 2017, the U.S. reached a milestone with a population of over 50 million seniors. That’s more than the population of 25 of our states. And here’s a fun way to picture it. If all seniors held hands, they would circle the globe twice. It’s the biggest demographic change our country has ever experienced. It’s a “tsunami of aging.”
In tandem, the revolution in thinking about aging is called “positive aging.” It’s based on the goal of creating a society that prepares people for and celebrates the aging process. It doesn’t negate that the final phases of our lives commonly include illness, hardship, loss, loneliness, and unwanted change. But, it advocates, for example, that it is possible to learn the skills and techniques of resilience to overcome challenges and enhance our sense of fulfillment and control. On a societal level, positive aging encourages a society that provides opportunities for older adults to contribute and experience a meaningful life.
This is the reason that we formed Carquinez Village. It’s is a vehicle for positive aging. We want to make both a difference for individuals and create a more nurturing and age-friendly community. The Village is designed to encourage seniors to pursue new horizons, connect them in community, support them when they face challenges, and inspire them to make positive choices in their lives. One way we do this is by hosting a monthly Senior Speakers Series where speakers discuss issues and options that support, inform, and inspire older adults. The next program features Dr. Michael Mason, specialist in Geriatric Medicine. It will be held on Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m. in the Dona Benicia Room, Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St. Everyone is invited.
It will take most of us time to absorb and integrate the tenets of positive aging. After all, it’s involves change. But, it’s change with the potential to make a significant difference in our lives. And we can all make progress if we work together and support one another.
What do you think? Would you like to be a revolutionary? Join me on the path to positive aging. We can do it…together.

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