It was an ordinary day. Checking out my morning newspaper when I came across a section titled "Senior Living." My newspaper includes the "Senior Living" section every week as part of the extra sections that they publish weekly. I really do enjoy all the information that I previously had never heard about or perhaps had just forgotten. Today's issue had one page that was titled "AGING Together" and listed ages from 35 years old to 90 years old with information that might be of interest for those who fall into the different categories. The ages listed and the information provided are as follows:
Age 35 - Certainly nobody is calling you a senior at this age, but if you happen to be a woman and are pregnant, you're probably going to hear how you're of advanced maternal age or a "geriatric mother."
Age 38.8 - Half the population in the United States is younger than you are and the other half is older than you are according to the U.S. Census.
Age 45 - Have an idea that you might want to join the Pennsylvania National Guard? Better hurry and join if you are so inclined since once you turn 46 you can't be a member.
Age 50 - You are now eligible to join AARP and partake of their many discounts they offer. I have found some of the discounts are well worth the membership.
Age 55 - You are now eligible to live in places that require you to be 55. That would include one of Lancaster's most desired places, Willow Valley Mosaic. Woodcrest Villa, where Carol and I now reside, more than likely have a minimum age requirement, but we never asked and most certainly are beyond, even way beyond, their minimum age requirement.
Age 59 1/2 - If you aren't employed, you can start pulling out of your 401K or IRA without tax penalties. If you are still working there are some penalties.
Age 60 - Lunches and lots of free events are now open to you at the senior centers in Lancaster, Columbia, Elizabethtown, Lititz, Millersville, Quarryville and online through Lancaster County Office of the Aging's virtual connections. If you aren't 60, but are married to someone who is, you also can go.
Age 62 - Additional senior living facilities are now available to you. Locations such as Hershey Gardens and Longwood Gardens are free to visit. Lancaster's North Museum of Nature and Science, Historic Rock Ford and Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum are all free of charge.
Age 63 - This is the last year you can serve in the National Guard! If you happen to be a General or Lt. General you can stay until you are 66.
Age 65 - You can now buy a lifetime fishing license which at present costs $50. You cannot get a pilot's license, but if you do have one you may continue to fly, but only private planes.
Age 67 - You are now fully of age to collect Social Security.
Age 72 - The IRS says you have to start taking disbursements out of your retirement accounts.
Age 75 - Pennsylvania law says you are exempt from jury duty if you so choose!
Age 90 - Your meals at Shady Maple Smorgasbord are now half off, with reservations excluded.
I'm sure that many people reading my stories are close to some of the ages posted here. Perhaps this chart may have helped you. I now know that I no longer have to pay to go to any museum in Lancaster County and no longer have to worry about being called to do jury duty. Personally, I'd much rather be in the category where I can't join AARP, but that was years ago. I know that age is only a number and for some, it doesn't seem to affect them, but for others, like myself, I only wish I was younger and could sit in front of my computer and type stories with a bit more ease. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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