RETIREES IN ACTION A message from PEF Retirees President Jim Carr Life in our ‘golden’ years, or so we hope Three old guys are out walking when the first one says, “Windy, isn’t it?” The second one says, “No. It’s Thursday!” The third one says, “So am I. Let’s get a beer.” Funny, but all too real; loss of hearing is an example of what may be in store for us as we age in retirement. Retirement offers us many benefits: more time to spend with family, more time to do whatever we want, more discounts, more opportunities to volunteer and try to make a difference, and more time to spend with grandchildren. It is a time in life to recall the things we’ve done and look forward to doing more things that we enjoy. Historians have contended that human society did not move forward until there was a certain amount of longevity, thus helping future generations benefit from the experience of their elders. Yes, I am a senior citizen, the life of the party, even if it only lasts to 8 p.m. I am very good at opening childproof caps with a hammer. I am awake many hours before my body allows me to get up. I am sure everything I can’t find is in a safe, secure place, somewhere. As a PEF Retiree, I have a pension and health insurance, but I worry as I grow older my costs will increase and my benefits will be eroded to the point that I may have to choose between making insurance payments, co-pays and prescriptions or buying food. Senior citizens are being criticized for every conceivable deficiency in the modern world, real or imaginary. We take responsibility for all we have done, and we do not blame others. However, upon reflection, we would like to point out it was not senior citizens who took the melody out of music, the courtesy out of driving, the responsibility out of parenthood, the Golden Rule from rules, the civility out of behavior, the integrity out of Congress, the dedication out of employment, and the certainty out of our benefits! I am beginning to realize aging is not for wimps. Yes, I am a senior citizen and I think I am having the time of my life, at least for now. Retiring? Join PEF Retirees now! Membership equals benefits. Contact PEF Retirees at 800-342-4306 x 289 PEFRetirees@pef.org

The Communicator Letters policy We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to thecommunicator@pef.org: The Communicator Public Employees Federation P.O. Box 12414 Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414 Email to Sherry Halbrook, Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief