I’m annoyed about ageism, particularly as it applies to the US presidential race. The stereotype of our elders as mentally impaired and doddering is as misinformed as it is offensive. For your consideration: Age 75: God speaks to Abram (later Abraham). In obeying God, he becomes the spiritual father to three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Age 76: Nelson Mandela is elected President of South Africa in that nation's first democratic election. Age 77: John Glenn is the oldest person to go into space. Age 77: Anna Mary (“Grandma”) Moses begins painting as a hobby “to keep busy and keep out of mischief.” Age 84: Gladys Burrell runs her first marathon. Age 87: Mary Baker Eddy founds The Christian Science Monitor, one of the most respected news organizations in the world. Age 88: Michelangelo creates the architectural plans for the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Age 90: Marc Chagall becomes the first living artist to have his works exhibited at the Louvre. Age 94: George Burns returns to Schenectady, NY to perform at the venue where he did his first performance 63 years earlier. His Holiness Pope Francis is 83. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is 85. Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu is 89. Thich Nhat Hanh is 94. Oh, and by the way, my Mom is 91. She’s not famous, but she is one of the most witty and well-informed people I know – and more intellectually sharp than some people in their 30s. She’s also very funny.
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