The times they are a changin’
BY DEBBY CARROLL
“Will you still be my Grammy when I turn 5?”
“Yes, Honey. I’ll always be your Grammy. That will never change.”
This recent exchange between me and my BFF, Avery got me thinking about the things that change and the things that eternally remain the same. But not everything that stays the same actually should.
Case in point, the image of grandparents. Look at your friends who are Grands. Chances are they work or play hard. They are vibrant and vigorous. They exercise, they travel, they have friends, they read, they write, they create, they dance; they have joy and sorrow. Chances are the women may enjoy style and fashion or yoga and kickboxing and engaging in civil discourse about the world. Chances are the men love a good beer or scotch and also a good debate about current events and winning a 5 K race.
We’re not your mother’s grandmother.
We’re not your mother’s grandmother. Not that there was anything wrong with her! But, over time, thanks to medical advances, societal evolution, and progress, this generation of grandparents is the new face of aging. Look at this issue for proof. We’ve looked at grands who rock and are tattooed and grands who get high!
But, take a look at society’s view of grandparents and it can be summed up in one word: old. Ads show us as people needing adult diapers or nursing homes or protein drinks to ensure we eat properly. Believe me, our appetites are as good as ever and we surely can eat. We may be eating vegan or paleo or even gluten free but, yes, we still eat, drink and are merry. Children’s books are no better. Every grandmother has a paunch, a bun, and is sporting a muumuu or housedress. When was the last time you wore either of those?
So, as summer turns to fall and we at GRAND celebrate 13 years of… well… celebrating GRANDS, please join us in strutting your stuff and showing the world what aging really looks like. We’re wearing stilettos and kicking down some doors!
We’re here, we’re fabulous and we are changing the way the world looks at grandparents!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR –
Grands: From A to Z, Everything a Grandparent Can Be