Commentary: An open letter to the younger generations

Dear friends of generations X, Y and Z:

Speaking as a baby boomer, I first want to say that we care about you. You are our children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Although you do some things differently from us, we appreciate you.

But can you say the same about us?

We are a generation who pursued the American dream and worked hard to achieve it. We were brought up to be goal-oriented and independent. We were encouraged to make a difference in the world.

Not all of us had to the opportunity or the resources to get advanced degrees, because we had to work straight out of school. But we continued to educate ourselves. We read books and newspapers and had face-to-face conversations with intelligent people.

We still enhance our knowledge through adult-education classes, emeritus programs, lectures and more. Just sit in on an academic class at a senior center, and listen to the depth of our questions and comments.

We can still teach you a few things. We’ve been through the school of hard knocks and can perhaps keep you from making the same mistakes. Tap us for our wisdom and expertise.

Although many of us have retired from full-time employment, we strive to be contributing members of society. We add to the economy through our taxes, purchases and donations. We add to the human race by being volunteers, mentors and community activists. We still have a lot to share.

If you see your elderly neighbor shuffling to the mailbox, don’t discount her. Like an older car, we may not go as fast, and we may need a few extra service appointments, perhaps even a part replaced.

Scientists claim that you have the ability to live much longer than we will, so try to stay well-oiled and tuned.

Please don’t put us out to pasture yet. Learn to look beyond our gray hair and wrinkles. We may not be runway-ready, but we are not invisible. Hopefully, you will learn to understand us and recognize our worth to humanity.

TERRI GOLDSTEIN lives in Newport Coast.