The average age of a senior belonging to SSAI is approximately 84 and the seniors of that age have seen many changes, not only here in Saskatchewan but in Canada and also in the rest of the world. They have seen a world war, seen wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and other places too numerous to mention. They have witnesed floods, famines and other forms of devastation throughout the world and have seen men walking on the moon. They have watched in awe as space rockets have taken off for Mars and though they don't know why any one would want to be there, they have still been astounded at the brains, skills and ingenuity required to do that. By and large seniors have managed to cope with it all, but in the back of there minds there has always been, "the more things change, the more they stay the same".
They have seen how man has been eager to create better ways and means to kill each other. The 1,000-pound bomb was the bomb to end all bombs reigned until the atom bomb, and the nuclear bomb, which probably has the ability to destroy all of mankind. They have all had a place in our comparatively short history. How different has all this been from the history of mankind?
The readers of history know the evolution of man has involved changes, not only in the way they lived but also in the ways they were able to kill. From throwing stones to sharp sticks, from wooden spears to sharp stones on the end of spears and from throwing spears to bows and arrows. Changes are inevitable but along with those changes there are consequences.
Changes in the way we communicate has broadened our vision and we are able to see clearly how other people on this planet live and they can see how we live. This insight has brought with it hope, envy and, to a degree, hatred. What some people clearly have, other people want and if they cannot have it they will find a way to get it. Sometimes in a peaceful way and sometimes in a not so peaceful way.
Change nearly always starts with the younger generation, who are able to change and absorb the change. Some seniors have been able to adapt to some of the changes, but others have been lost.
People who were born in Canada and have lived all their lives here have taken the Canadian way of life for granted. Canada is a nation of immigrants. Quite a few of those people came because they were fleeing their own country because of the lack of freedom. They didn't come to this country completely ignorant of how Canadians lived, worked and thrived by being here. Culture was diverse, but it didn't matter, because freedom was not just a word here, it was the Canadian way of life.
They were free to carry on their religious beliefs and traditions but they had to be able to allow other citizens the right to do the same thing. Changing that concept of what Canada stands for is something a large number of Canadians of all ages, not just seniors, cannot accept. Changing well known traditions and familiar ways to placate a few is probably going to be just too much change for most Canadians.
Seniors know change is inevitable, but we have always hoped the change is not just for change's sake. It has been difficult for some seniors to accept or adapt to some of the changes especially in the technical world, but most have coped and they are probably better off for it. However with all the latest news about how some countries have been able to break into other countries electronic banking services and utility services, I doubt if many seniors will be persuaded to change their banking habits. Maybe there is something to be said for the money under the mattress system.
Enjoy March and keep a look out for signs of spring. Maybe at some time we will be able to put the snow shovels away. We do have to stay active and continue to be healthy and don't forget to smile, it doesn't cost a cent and its probably the best medicine going.
