If you are not a senior citizen, you may think that those of us who are, sit around all day with nothing to do. That is not the case.

People who I know who are now on Medicare and Social Security still want to be involved. They want to make a difference.

Yes, we may have more “free” time and have more options as to what we do–but, we also know that sitting around on our hands and doing nothing is a death knell. We want and need to stay involved.

I recently attended a birthday party for an 85 year-old who was active in politics 50 years ago. She still gets involved in political campaigns. She also “makes a difference” in people’s lives by being a conduit for communications with old friends.

I have another good friend who loves the game of golf and recently helped organize a big golf tournament. He became so involved in doing it over a period of months that his wife said: “I hope this is the last time he will ever do that again!” Of course, it won’t be the last time. He is going to stay involved in something, and I bet there is a good chance that golf will be a part of it.

Staying involved is basic to our humanity. It also helps define human dignity. If the day comes when someone believes that they are absolutely worthless–then they probably are looking at the beginning of the end.

For those of you who are younger, you need to remember this need to “be involved” and of “making a difference.” Someday you will be where we are.

For some, making a difference can be found in a part-time job or in grooming and maintaining a garden. For others, it might mean working as a volunteer at a non-profit organization or church. For many, it can be found in helping and loving grandchildren. Some people try to do it by writing articles for the newspaper which they hope may be helpful (or at least interesting) to others.

I spoke with a good friend recently who is retired from being a high-powered lawyer in Cleveland. He is finding that he can make a difference now in holding and loving infants at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He used to make a difference structuring business deals. Now, he helps babies who are having challenges in their infancy.

“Making a difference” is part of what it means to be human. We need to keep that in mind as we move along down the road of life.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.