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Getting Older: Time to Give BackMOAB, Utah—I was having breakfast at my hotel this morning when six or seven guys well older than 55 entered.  Every table was full except mine, so three of them plopped down and we started to talk.

It turns out they were the “Asphalt Bikers” from California. They get together once a year for a motorcycle trip to a national park somewhere in the United States.

We talked about motorcycles since I’m a former motorcyclist. They said not many women can talk about motorcycles. They asked me what I’m doing with that great bus, and I said I’m taking a trip across America to better understand elder-care issues. They thought that was great.

These were big, burly, rough and tumble bikers, but they were marshmallows.

Philosopical bikers 

One guy, Glen, had these interesting buttons. He said it was something he started after 9/11 to strengthen the understanding of America for young children. He buys all the art supplies and delivers them to local schools. The teacher asks the students to draw images that represent our country, and then Glen collects the art and resizes it to fit on a button.

Glen makes each button by hand, and always makes two sets. He sends one set  to the children so they can see their art on a button, and he carries the other set with him when the “Asphalt Bikers” take their annual trip. When he comes across someone doing something for their community, he gives them a button. I was flattered when he gave me these three buttons.

He said, “You’re doing much more than most people.”  It made me feel great, and I gave this big biker an even bigger hug.

We talked some more and each of them was doing something to give back to society. One was very active in his church, another was a Boy Scout leader. They talked like truck drivers, but they were very philosophical.

They said that the best way to enjoy retirement is to stay busy by doing something constructive. And it’s also important to help others. Only when you’re older do you realize how many mentors you’ve had, and that’s the time to give back.

I’d like to wear a button with their picture on it some day.

Next: Dr. Marion at the Grand Canyon: Never too late to make new memories.




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