Voting 2024

According to the dictionary, the definition of the word turmoil is, “a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.” Has there ever been a time of more disturbance, confusion or uncertainty in this wonderful country of ours? I am feeling lost and confused with this election. Are you? What a strange way to feel as the election for the highest job in the land is seeking our best leader. The division of our people is palpable, the anger visible and the very words we use to speak, no, shout, to each other are beyond belief. What has happened? Where are we headed and how in this world are we going to get there…or anywhere with our citizens so divided and adrift?

So how does all this relate to aging?

Actually, it offers a wonderful opportunity to encourage each voting generation an opportunity to talk to each other. Remember when we used to talk to each other? Plus, it can be a wonderful example to the next voting generation on how to discuss our differences as well as our sameness. The older generation grew up in a very different voting climate. My own mother was born before women even had the right to vote. Imagine that! When I told that to my granddaughter (her great-granddaughter), she couldn’t believe what I was saying. In fact, at first, she didn’t believe it! So, in that respect, things have made some positive steps forward.

When people no longer exchange ideas, don’t listen to opposing thoughts or refuse to see the “elephant in the room”, even when it is your elephant, well, all communication comes to a screeching halt.

Generations don't stray from their early life political experiences.

Over the last twenty years Pew Research Center has concluded a survey that says generations don’t stray from their early in life political experiences; that is, their later years were shaped by “political events during their formative years”. It stands to reason that a person raised in the political arena of the Kennedy Administration is going to be influenced quite differently than a person raised in the Obama time frame…drastically different.

Wouldn’t a conversation between those two “eras” be fascinating? I know it is between my 28-year-old granddaughter and me. While we don’t always agree, we address our differences, respect them equally and sometimes agree to disagree. But we talk. It is fascinating to me how she thinks sometimes. She brings up different ways of thinking that I never considered…and vice versa I dare say. That is wonderful and is what our Democracy is all about!

So, my friends, by the time you read this blog, the President of the United States of America will be decided. If your person did or did not win, it is still so important to talk to other generations, give them space to explain how they think, why they think that way and respect it even if you totally disagree. And, of course, you need to expect the same in turn. This is what America is all about!

God bless us all and happy aging, 

Sue