In Self-Defense

Based on what written in “Veteran Has His Day,” I fit into the group of people who have lived much of their lives and completed their educations and professions. City College Student Trustee Joel Negroni’s comments came across as though he saw us as insignificant to the economy. Whether he feels that way or not, I wish to respond to this perception.

Many retired adults, like myself, become contributors to the community through volunteer work or as donors to educational scholarships or other non-profits. We also stay active and alert by taking classes. Such involvement in the arts, recreation, language, etc. is highly recommended by the latest research: It helps to forestall dementia and also keeps the body healthy. Poor health in elder adults will drag down the economy by increasing health costs.

In addition, many adults who are now retired, even if they don’t have the monies to give back to the community, have earned the right to still be involved in educational activities by their service and contributions from their previous years of service/work. Many have learned skills through their classes that allow them to make money and contribute to the economy. Check out various galleries and craft fairs and you will see the work of adult students. With the Center for Lifelong Learning that is being established, we hope that even more exciting things will be generated.

I passionately believe in education and donate to more than one university and the Foundation for SBCC, Scholarship Fund. Most recently, I voted for Prop 30 and Measures A&B, all of which will increase my taxes. I’m sure I’m not the only elder like this. So I hope this lets you know more about us, and myself as only one representative of this group. I think we have much to offer and have been doing so right along. –