Letter to the Editor from 92-year-old Catherine Sheppard, former SLHS teacher

The New Generation

Move over, old people! There is a new generation in town! Oh? Who? We have a new group (not yet named). These are the people who are 90 plus. Until recently when a person reached 80 there would be a big celebration to mark that birthday. Now the big celebration is more common for 90 and the 100-year mark. Take note of the local obituary notices, and you will see many who have died at an age well past 80.

In our culture, this is significant. I live in a retirement facility. Among the thirty ladies living here, there are ten who are 90 or more. Actually, the ages range from 90 to 102. You may be surprised to know all are ambulatory. Some push walkers, but several need no aids.

How does this affect our culture? (1) We do not drive, but we require transportation. (2) Our housing requirements are different. (3) Our mental health needs attention and care. (4) Our physical health needs are different. (5) Our thought process has slowed, and our hearing ability has declined. We need caregivers who understand these facts. All that said, I am proud to belong to this new generation.

Catherine Sheppard (Age 92)