What is it like to be old?

I consider someone who is over fifty to be old. Being old can be the best years of your life. If you have money, you can travel and learn about the cultures of the world. You can also enjoy the company of your grandchildren and see them grow up. Many who are old have volunteered to do community service like helping in soup kitchens and tutoring. Some go to plays and museums. They can enjoy life.

However: when a person is old they can get sick. It hurts me to see the way they play tag with the hospitals - going in and out. People who are old and poor have it especially hard and it is a struggle for them. They cannot enjoy their old age. Instead they worry about what will happen to them when they get sick or are in need of help in case of an emergency.