As a senior, I’ve had the privilege—and sometimes the burden—of watching the world change in ways I never imagined. The recent re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the astonishing rise of Bitcoin to over $100,000, and the devastating Atlantic hurricane season have given me a lot to think about. Each event feels like a marker of our times, yet my years of experience also bring a perspective that I hope might resonate with others.
Trump’s Re-election: A Step Backward, to My Dismay
Let me start with the elephant in the room: Donald Trump’s re-election. To my dismay, his return to the White House feels like a step backward for the nation. I remember the hope and unity that leaders like Eisenhower or Kennedy tried to inspire, even in times of turmoil. Trump, to me, represents something different—division, mistrust, and a kind of tribalism that makes me worry for the future of our democracy.
Of course, I understand why many people voted for him. Inflation is high, trust in government is low, and people want a leader who says they’ll “shake things up.” But I can’t help but feel that we need more than slogans and blame-shifting right now. We need someone who can bring us together, not drive us further apart. Watching this unfold, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and sadness for the state of our political discourse.
Bitcoin: Progress or Just Another Bubble?
On a completely different note, let’s talk about Bitcoin. When I first heard about cryptocurrency years ago, I dismissed it as a passing fad. Now, with Bitcoin surpassing $100,000, I have to admit I was wrong—at least about its staying power. That said, I still don’t entirely trust it. Call me old-fashioned, but I grew up believing money should be tied to something tangible, like gold or hard work. Bitcoin feels like Monopoly money to me.
Yet, I see why it excites people. It’s new, it’s unregulated, and it feels like a middle finger to traditional banks and institutions. But my experience tells me that every boom is followed by a bust. I saw it in the dot-com bubble, the housing crisis, and countless other economic crashes. Maybe Bitcoin is the future, but I worry that too many people are pinning their hopes—and their savings—on something they don’t fully understand.
The Hurricanes: Nature’s Unforgiving Power
Then there’s the Atlantic hurricane season, which has been particularly brutal this year. The destruction is heartbreaking, and it reminds me of how vulnerable we are to the forces of nature. It’s hard not to feel a sense of helplessness when you see communities wiped off the map.
But what frustrates me is how little we seem to learn from these events. Year after year, we see the same devastation, and yet there’s so little progress on addressing climate change. I know it’s a polarizing topic, but from where I sit, it’s hard to argue that the world isn’t warming and that we’re not partly to blame. I’ve lived long enough to see the patterns shift—winters that aren’t as cold, summers that are hotter, and storms that are more ferocious. I wish we’d stop fighting about it and start doing something meaningful before it’s too late.
Finding Hope in Chaos
Despite all this, I’m not without hope. One of the great gifts of age is perspective. I’ve lived through wars, recessions, and social upheavals, and I’ve seen humanity come out stronger on the other side. I have faith that today’s challenges—political division, economic uncertainty, and environmental crises—are not insurmountable.
I also take comfort in the small things. My morning coffee tastes just as good today as it did 50 years ago. My grandchildren still light up my life, and a good book or a walk in the park can soothe my soul. These simple pleasures remind me that, even in a chaotic world, there’s beauty to be found.
A Word to the Young—and to My Fellow Seniors
To the younger generation, I say this: keep fighting for what you believe in, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Change doesn’t come overnight, and it doesn’t come from tearing each other down. Listen to those who disagree with you; you might be surprised by what you learn.
And to my fellow seniors, I urge you: don’t retreat into nostalgia. Yes, the world feels different, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up, but our wisdom is needed now more than ever. Share your stories, your lessons, and your perspective. Engage with the world, even when it feels like it’s moving too fast.
Closing Thoughts: The World, as Always, is a Work in Progress
The world is messy, complicated, and often frustrating—but it always has been. What matters is how we respond to it. As seniors, we’ve seen enough to know that no challenge is permanent, and no triumph is guaranteed. Let’s use our voices and our experience to help guide the younger generation while still learning from their energy and vision.
Because in the end, this world belongs to all of us, and it’s up to each of us to make it a little better—one small action, one kind word, and one shared story at a time.
Jennifer Scabretti
Contributing Writer
jscabretti@seniormania.com
