Honoring seniors

Posted 8/21/12

The Older Americans Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1965, defines a senior citizen as any person who is 60 years of age or over. AARP benefits begin at age 50; 70 is the mandatory retirement age …

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Honoring seniors

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The Older Americans Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1965, defines a senior citizen as any person who is 60 years of age or over. AARP benefits begin at age 50; 70 is the mandatory retirement age for some profession; and current Social Security rules mandate payment of retirement benefits at various ages (and months) ranging from 66 to 67. Even Regal Cinemas in Kingston allows you to pay a senior rate at age 60. Other movie theatres have similar rules.

Why, then, does the Neversink Agricultural Society, parent organization of the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville, only offer senior admission to those who are 75 or older?

How sad that the older people who live and work in this town are not honored for their service. How sad that we are insulting our visitors by not allowing a senior discount unless they’re 75 or older.

Are we so hard up for money that we need to insult people?

How about a sliding scale discount for people over 60, and free for people who are 70 and over?

One of my guests at the fair on Saturday night, August 18, works for a senior advocate organization in

Connecticut. She was aghast when told the senior age. I was ashamed.

Carol Montana

Grahamsville, NY

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