Canadian Senior Queers Are Better Off Than American Senior Queers!
The next time you overhear some pessimistic fool whine, ”Life is all downhill after forty," I suggest you give into temptation and bitch slap that fool right into next week.
NO...WAIT! I’m kidding, violence is never the answer. Instead, simply enlighten that misinformed simpleton to the treasure trove of information and services that CARP
(Canadian Association for Retired Persons has to offer Canada’s aging population which currently consists of nearly fifteen million people, aged 45 and over. And, more
specifically, check out the PinkCARP chapter which proudly raises awareness regarding the distinctive challenges Canada’s aging LGBTTI2QA community is apt to encounter.
Because—newsflash kids—there is no fountain of youth! So cancel your appointment with Dr. Botox, and gain some useful information instead that’s aimed to prepare you for
these inevitable grey hairs in a more positive and constructive fashion. Oh, and before I forget, would somebody please call Joan (either one of them) to tell her that enough is enough already! Thank you.
In a nutshell, the aging process concerns the irreversible biological changes that take place within all living organisms over a period of time, eventually resulting in death. But, even though longer lives are becoming more common due to improved living conditions, enhanced sanitation measures, advanced medical care, and reduced infant mortality
rates, etc., there are no guarantees that surviving to a ripe old age will be an interesting, active and emotionally rewarding experience filled with respect and personal dignity. So—drum roll please—that’s where PinkCARP comes in, and hopefully where some of society’s erroneous myths and blatant misconceptions about aging get shot to hell.
Although the chapter is still in its embryonic phase of development, Canada’s PinkCARP’s goal is to be a truly representative national advocacy organization that addresses the copious challenges of the diverse LGBTTI2QA communities. Their mission is to provide more meaningful research as to available and/or developing programs regarding LGBTTI2QA aging services and issues. A sample of those issues are dealing with existing barriers within the health care system, coping with matters pertaining to legal rights and/or powers of attorney, gaining easier access to housing and long term care, eliminating the fear of discrimination, and/or other personal safety issues when disclosing sexual orientation, etc.
And according to SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) these are not insignificant challenges by any means, since our aging community members are twice as likely to live alone, half as likely to have life partners, half as likely to have immediate relatives to call upon in an emergency, and four times as likely to have no children. Hmmmm!
As a voice for the LGBTTI2QA community within Canada it is the hope of this new chapter to ignite dialogue with regard to aging within the gay community. And that makes good sense, because too often the concept of aging, due to denial or ignorance, is associated with frailty, poverty loneliness, depression and dementia, which does not paint a pretty picture. Nor does it paint a truthful picture either, since specific effects of the aging process can vary from one individual to another. But, in short, a healthy immune system produces antibodies to fight against bacteria and viruses. As well, it will prevent the growth of abnormal cells which could become cancerous.
However, with the years creeping up on us, our immune system’s ability to carry out its protective functions diminishes. As a result, some of the physical and sensory changes which generally occur within our bodies are a decline in hearing, vision and taste; less overall muscle strength; less flexibility within our soft tissues (skin and blood vessels); and a decreased functioning of our vital organs, etc. And, when it comes to our minds, don’t be surprised to encounter a difficulty dealing with stimuli, significant memory problems, a loss of nerve cells within our brain, a decrease in our cognitive abilities (perceptual speed, verbal fluency), etc. Hence the need for “geriatrics," which is a medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases, and a fervent wish for all health care practitioners to undergo specialized training in "geriatrics" so that they will become more adept at dealing with the disorders and diseases of the elderly.
What about aging and sex? Well, getting older does takes its toll on our reproductive organs to be sure. When women hit menopause, their ovaries no longer release egg cells, their menstrual cycle stops, etc. And when men hit “manopause” the testes produce less testosterone, which can result in erectile dysfunction. And, let’s face it kids, a wilted willy can have a significant negative effect on sexual activity! However results from a recently published survey, conducted on behalf of a major drug company indicated heterosexual couples over the age of fifty described their sex lives as frisk energetic, adventurous, and ferocious. So, guess where there’s a will, there’s a way, and it’s up to each of us to stay abreast, or on top of such matters!
Due to the impact of AlDS, and the loss of close friends, we need to rebuild our non-family base. If you cocoon yourself by not developing a social safety net, there will be lesser quality of life. Therefore, we must confront our own fear and perceived prejudices, because once we’ve gone into assisted living, we must remain visible if we are to enjoy a valuable social experience.
Now, we all know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but we’re thankful for the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which states, “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability." Our LGBTTI2QA community must continue confronting and exposing the bigotry that still persists within our country. Thus making past instances of isolation, exclusion and hatred against gay seniors obsolete, and to have those horrors replaced instead by the responsible, knowledgeable planning and creating of a welcoming atmosphere, wherein aging gays can appreciate the rewards their individuality offers them.
Now, it’s up to you to be diligent regarding your own aging expectations because—trust me kids—the years fly by sooner than you think. So if you’re planning on slowing down with some class and some comfort, then let CARP and its sister chapter PinkCARP guide you, since they believe aging with dignity should reflect a person’s right to continue working, driving and living independently, acknowledge a person’s freedom from stereotypes within advertising and the media; include a person’s equal rights to affordable housing and immediately put an end to elder abuse, etc. And how could you possibly disagree?
So, be proactive, and, in recognition if CARP’s 25th Anniversary and PinkCARP’s inaugural year, become a member of this amazing organization and fight for a Pink chapter within the parent AARP organization. I guarantee that you won’t regret it. ln fact, be a mensch and fight for a Pink AARP chapter for every gracefully aging QGBTTI2QA friend while you’re at it. Then, throw a party and blab to everyone else about the many benefits, products and services Canadians are enjoying that are not currently available to older Americans. Good luck!
NO...WAIT! I’m kidding, violence is never the answer. Instead, simply enlighten that misinformed simpleton to the treasure trove of information and services that CARP
(Canadian Association for Retired Persons has to offer Canada’s aging population which currently consists of nearly fifteen million people, aged 45 and over. And, more
specifically, check out the PinkCARP chapter which proudly raises awareness regarding the distinctive challenges Canada’s aging LGBTTI2QA community is apt to encounter.
Because—newsflash kids—there is no fountain of youth! So cancel your appointment with Dr. Botox, and gain some useful information instead that’s aimed to prepare you for
these inevitable grey hairs in a more positive and constructive fashion. Oh, and before I forget, would somebody please call Joan (either one of them) to tell her that enough is enough already! Thank you.
In a nutshell, the aging process concerns the irreversible biological changes that take place within all living organisms over a period of time, eventually resulting in death. But, even though longer lives are becoming more common due to improved living conditions, enhanced sanitation measures, advanced medical care, and reduced infant mortality
rates, etc., there are no guarantees that surviving to a ripe old age will be an interesting, active and emotionally rewarding experience filled with respect and personal dignity. So—drum roll please—that’s where PinkCARP comes in, and hopefully where some of society’s erroneous myths and blatant misconceptions about aging get shot to hell.
Although the chapter is still in its embryonic phase of development, Canada’s PinkCARP’s goal is to be a truly representative national advocacy organization that addresses the copious challenges of the diverse LGBTTI2QA communities. Their mission is to provide more meaningful research as to available and/or developing programs regarding LGBTTI2QA aging services and issues. A sample of those issues are dealing with existing barriers within the health care system, coping with matters pertaining to legal rights and/or powers of attorney, gaining easier access to housing and long term care, eliminating the fear of discrimination, and/or other personal safety issues when disclosing sexual orientation, etc.
And according to SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) these are not insignificant challenges by any means, since our aging community members are twice as likely to live alone, half as likely to have life partners, half as likely to have immediate relatives to call upon in an emergency, and four times as likely to have no children. Hmmmm!
As a voice for the LGBTTI2QA community within Canada it is the hope of this new chapter to ignite dialogue with regard to aging within the gay community. And that makes good sense, because too often the concept of aging, due to denial or ignorance, is associated with frailty, poverty loneliness, depression and dementia, which does not paint a pretty picture. Nor does it paint a truthful picture either, since specific effects of the aging process can vary from one individual to another. But, in short, a healthy immune system produces antibodies to fight against bacteria and viruses. As well, it will prevent the growth of abnormal cells which could become cancerous.
However, with the years creeping up on us, our immune system’s ability to carry out its protective functions diminishes. As a result, some of the physical and sensory changes which generally occur within our bodies are a decline in hearing, vision and taste; less overall muscle strength; less flexibility within our soft tissues (skin and blood vessels); and a decreased functioning of our vital organs, etc. And, when it comes to our minds, don’t be surprised to encounter a difficulty dealing with stimuli, significant memory problems, a loss of nerve cells within our brain, a decrease in our cognitive abilities (perceptual speed, verbal fluency), etc. Hence the need for “geriatrics," which is a medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases, and a fervent wish for all health care practitioners to undergo specialized training in "geriatrics" so that they will become more adept at dealing with the disorders and diseases of the elderly.
What about aging and sex? Well, getting older does takes its toll on our reproductive organs to be sure. When women hit menopause, their ovaries no longer release egg cells, their menstrual cycle stops, etc. And when men hit “manopause” the testes produce less testosterone, which can result in erectile dysfunction. And, let’s face it kids, a wilted willy can have a significant negative effect on sexual activity! However results from a recently published survey, conducted on behalf of a major drug company indicated heterosexual couples over the age of fifty described their sex lives as frisk energetic, adventurous, and ferocious. So, guess where there’s a will, there’s a way, and it’s up to each of us to stay abreast, or on top of such matters!
Due to the impact of AlDS, and the loss of close friends, we need to rebuild our non-family base. If you cocoon yourself by not developing a social safety net, there will be lesser quality of life. Therefore, we must confront our own fear and perceived prejudices, because once we’ve gone into assisted living, we must remain visible if we are to enjoy a valuable social experience.
Now, we all know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but we’re thankful for the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which states, “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability." Our LGBTTI2QA community must continue confronting and exposing the bigotry that still persists within our country. Thus making past instances of isolation, exclusion and hatred against gay seniors obsolete, and to have those horrors replaced instead by the responsible, knowledgeable planning and creating of a welcoming atmosphere, wherein aging gays can appreciate the rewards their individuality offers them.
Now, it’s up to you to be diligent regarding your own aging expectations because—trust me kids—the years fly by sooner than you think. So if you’re planning on slowing down with some class and some comfort, then let CARP and its sister chapter PinkCARP guide you, since they believe aging with dignity should reflect a person’s right to continue working, driving and living independently, acknowledge a person’s freedom from stereotypes within advertising and the media; include a person’s equal rights to affordable housing and immediately put an end to elder abuse, etc. And how could you possibly disagree?
So, be proactive, and, in recognition if CARP’s 25th Anniversary and PinkCARP’s inaugural year, become a member of this amazing organization and fight for a Pink chapter within the parent AARP organization. I guarantee that you won’t regret it. ln fact, be a mensch and fight for a Pink AARP chapter for every gracefully aging QGBTTI2QA friend while you’re at it. Then, throw a party and blab to everyone else about the many benefits, products and services Canadians are enjoying that are not currently available to older Americans. Good luck!
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