I begin my post with this title What makes us older adults strong? Because I am convinced that we are and very much so.

We are strong because we weather the misfortunes of a society that does not value the elderly with respect and we come out on top every day.

We are strong because we face limitations, illnesses, responsibilities and commitments with dedication and often stoicism.

In Venezuela, many have emigrated to seek a better life for themselves and their families, and have left their children with their parents. These grandparents are once again beginning to walk the roads they have traveled, with fatigue yes, but with constancy and confidence in their experience. I see them taking their grandchildren to school or picking them up at the end of the day, asking them about their homework and taking an interest in what they have learned.

I also see those who have children with some kind of condition that requires permanent attention, for these people there is no such word as retirement or retirement, they are there day after day exercising their role as parents without complaining, in an admirable role of abnegation and love.

Recently there was an increase in public transportation fares, where the elderly are exempted when the distances are short, and pay half fare on longer distances. The drivers or collectors (not all), charge the elderly, they know that the measure is in the gazette, but they also know that some adults are unaware of this. It is time to turn a blind eye to verbal abuse and assume with dignity our rights because of our age.

I would prefer to pay my ticket, to have an economic income that would allow me to pay my expenses, to recreate myself and to take care of my health requirements in a comfortable way, without having to expose myself to uncomfortable situations, but in my country this is a utopia.

Then, an uneasiness appears, something wants to tell us that we are already in a fateful moment and that we must adapt; but an unusual vitality shows itself defiantly and reminds us of what we gave in the past.

We did not reach old age by magic, there was a set of tasks that created these structures that today are part of our human heritage.

In my case I was a teacher, a large number of people paraded through my classes and took for themselves what would help them in their formative process. Doctors provided health and quality of life. The merchants with their economic activities produced goods and services, among others. The farmer produced food for the people, and so I would continue adding the functions of each one and it would never end.

Every life is useful from its birth to its end and we should all feel powerful and worthy of receiving our own, thanks to the work done in our youth and maturity. Many of us are still working and that speaks of the strength I am describing.

It is important that the older adult feels that esteem for his work accomplished and assumes with pleasure any privilege, given without meanness, otherwise it can turn into depression which is very harmful in old age.