Reply #5: Honestly, seniors create community [View All]

I've lived in two small towns most of my adult life, very different. The first one was centered around the school and kids and the 'old people' knew all the kids, what activities they were involved in, what their aspirations were. When one of the kids was disabled in a car wreck, the community paid for everything he needed at home and at school. Because of the seniors' support of the kids, the kids learned to give back and were always ready to help the seniors.

The community I'm in now is the complete opposite because the seniors come from other places to retire here. The schools are well-funded, that's only right, but they're stuck on the outskirts of town, out of sight. The teens aren't treated well in town and I doubt many seniors or even business owners know one from another. The kids aren't as respectful or community oriented.

If this national service brought seniors and teens together in community service, it could make a real difference. But if it keeps the generations separated, it won't help as much as it could.

That's my 2 cents anyway.