People Over 80

To quote you...."it isn't very hard to enjoy life into your 80s when you have money and power at your disposal. .." How true this is. What about many senior citizens that are struggling to live a quality life as they get older? I've heard so many stories of how older people struggle to have adequate food or be able to afford their medicines...they have to balance, and ask themselves...do I use money for food or medicine...So many people are under the delusion that Medicare can provide medical costs...nope...so many think that they can get food stamps...nope...and if they do get food stamps it might only be a few bucks worth...And again, so many think that Social Security will be adequate for their needs..nope again. You're right, it sounds like that report was very one-sided showing only comfortably set older people which are the minority as opposed to the majority that are struggling for a quality of life as they get older

How true! They should talk to some of the older people who have to make a choice between taking their medicine or heating their homes. Life can certainly still be rewarding well into the eighties and beyond but way too many of our older citizens can't afford even the most simple pleasures. Of course, no one would want to interview them because it's a reminder of how we have failed our older generation in many ways. Great topic! Annie

I didn't see that feature but I agree it would have been a much more complete piece if they had interviewed some normal people as well. Life at 80 can be hard for those with limited income. Some cannot afford both food and medicine. It is a very sad thing.

That would be one-sided indeed. I mean, what percentage of the population is wealthy anyway? A greater number of people have to worry about how to pay their bills. I really feel for the elderly. My parents themselves are starting to get old and I hope I can take good care of them. Let's take care of our elderly. Some day we will be like them.

I saw this too. I guess there might have been a point they were trying to make... use your age/money wisely, so you can be old, too! (I'm just joking.) I agree that it would have been better to have some "normal" people over 80. I also saw a piece somewhere that "60" is the new 20. I thought it was 50--maybe that was 10 years ago. :) Oh well, someday I'll be 20 again. LOL

I couldn't agree more sweety! My Grandmother is 83 - she has had 7 children and raised 9 )including myself whom she adopted!) , she has seen 2 of her children die, lived through WW2 and many hard times! She is a woman of dignity, strength and courage and many people could learn a lot from someone like her! xxx

Hi sweetie!! I feel money is not everything in life but it certainly gives us a power to win the comfort and luxury and all it takes to make living comfortable. This has been true for all ages and to be specific for the octogenarian, i feel, its same with them as well. Certainly, the show you are talking about is restricted to a stratum of the society and doesn't give a true picture of society in general. Thanks for a very thoughtful topic.

Very true! They got all the money and power to enjoy a very good old age. They should interview some ordinary old people. What problems they are facing in this age? They spend all their lives and money to raise their kids and now if their kids take care of them or not. There are many things unsaid in the mind of an 80 year old person. They should dig it out.

Good point. I would say that health would be the most important thing to have when you reach 80. You are so right about how many of these kind of shows are one-sided.

My Grandmother just turned 85, and is still going strong after a long life, filled with ups and downs, good times and bad. She has recently had some health issues, and in this bad economy, she is living off of her social security check, which isn't enough. She lives here with my father and other family members, so she is close to our family needless to say. After all these years, she has a routine, a core group of friends, and continues to mentor people who look up to her. She is generally happy because she is faithful, smart, and still has a social life. She also takes great care of her health, despite health issues she's had as she's aged. Anyway, thought I'd put in my two cents!

How true that is Wise1,I never got to see the program but unless one has a genetic disease I do think the privileged can be a bit more pampered and have a much better health plan than the average joe. There outlook for their future has always got to help when your rolling in dough.

ya u r right at the age of 80 if they dont have power and money it is very hard to survive and people at that stage dont want to take others help

We people are living in different life's standards and you are right they must have interviewed old people from different class.

people over 80 are poor,we must take care of them ,no matter they treat us badly.