Those of us old fogeys in our 70s can laugh at this joke. Some in their 50s and 60s might chuckle a little, but to those in their 30s and 40s, this is no laughing matter. When Social Security was established it was the perfect solution for those who’d retire in their 60s. At least it seemed so, but people weren’t living much past that, so they didn’t really have time to enjoy the benefits.
Unions pushed for pension plans and it looked like life would be cushy for most retirees, but those folks often didn’t live much past 65. 401k plans didn’t count for anything if you died before you had the opportunity to use them.
Now Social Security benefits have been renamed entitlements by the government. I thought entitlements were like gifts from the government, paid for by other Americans? Anyway, that’s a whole different post.
Older Americans are now living much longer lives, but enjoying them less, simply because we can’t afford to. Social Security is not enough by itself to keep up with the rise in the cost of living. Many have to pay out of pocket for extremely expensive drugs to keep them healthy and alive. The cost of food alone is enough to drive the elderly to eating dog food, but even that isn’t cheap anymore.
So if we want to eat, pay for prescriptions, co-pays, insurance, drive cars that aren’t falling apart, or wear clothing, we have to continue to work. If you’re physically strong that’s not a problem. If you’re an artist hoping to make money doing art, you’re considered to be enjoying a hobby which is of no real benefit to anyone. If you have a mind and are still capable of creating solutions to problems, your ideas don’t fit the modern age of technology.
So what’s a person to do? Many of our friends are going to heaven lately. They’ve been blessed with eternal life and they don’t have to worry about anything. I’m a little jealous.
atimetoshare.me 
But I’d miss you Kathy!
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Awwww, that’s so sweet. Just got home from another funeral and another one coming up next week. This is why I’m writing so much lately. I have so much to say and who knows how long I have to say it. I’ll save you a place when I get there!
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I’m with you there! But God is able no matter the ineffective, insensitive government globs do. I’m praying for them. Maybe it’s time we changed how our congress is paid and their benefit package. Perhaps, they need to not have life-time benefits for doing nothing.
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Amen, but good luck with that!
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I’m a little jealous, too. 😀
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This retired 56 year old teacher does indeed worry–my husband, 65, still works as our son is still in school, married less than two years, so we help there as I also help with my dad and his care—it is truly a mess this country of ours Kathy and I don’t know the answer—nor do our politicians but this medical aspect, doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, is truly out of control—some prescriptions –as single dose can pay for a small car—-ridiculous!
And as a former art teacher, I have been meaning to tell you how I’ve so enjoyed your husband’s art work!!!
Hugs from Georgia—
julie
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I’ll be sure to pass this on to him. As you know, the arts have taken a different path with all the new technology. We both feel kind of like old dinosaurs at times,but then we recall that we aren’t here to be wealthy but to serve the Lord. He always seems to keep us going. Gods consistency is all we can count on to stay the same.
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Oh Kathy, I am very old school—I taught traditional visual art—none of the technology based—mere pencils, brushes, etc…and that is the art I still love!!!
Yes, this world is certainly passing me by—I don’t even “do” Facebook—my little rebellion to “social media” 🙂
It’s all too too much!!!
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I pray there is a return to some of the traditional ways of doing things, but maybe I’m just getting old and having a hard time adjusting to everything being so instant. It’s so beneficial to enjoy the old masters, read the classics, listen to the music of Beethoven and Mozart. We miss so much when we lose that.
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Bless you your heart for sharing the arts with your students. All the arts are so important to their intellectual development.
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