Listen. And Learn.

Last Thursday afternoon, I was visiting my father-in-law and looked outside his apartment building window to find a group of about twenty of his neighbors protesting across the street.

They were chanting, holding homemade signs, and at least one held an American flag (upside down).

Some came on foot—and some with the assistance of a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair.

Because they live in a building for older adults, they were all in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

This was NOT their first rodeo.

When I asked what they were protesting, they answered, “EVERYTHING!”

Proposed cuts to Medicaid. The dismantling of the federal government. The disregard for due process and the rule of law. DOGE. Unfettered access to their personal information.

Systemic ageism would have us believe that older adults are tired, docile, cognitively impaired, and rife with disabilities that keep them sidelined and shut in.

But I am here to say unequivocally that these protesters are NOT the exception—THEY ARE THE RULE.

They are engaged, energetic, and energized.

They are well-informed and care about a diverse range of issues. Some that affect them directly—others that affect broader society.

They speak knowledgeably. Articulately. And with conviction.

And perhaps most important of all, they are not “cute.” Nor, are they “adorable.”

They are BADASSES. And they are INSPIRING.

Fifteen years ago, I was hired to help launch a groundbreaking, grassroots initiative that mobilized Adults 55+ to help underserved populations connect to vital healthcare resources.

In the six years I led the program, we recruited, trained, and placed more than 400 volunteers and AmeriCorps Encore Members at as many as three dozen community-based organizations where they provided assistance to more than 80,000 individuals in-need.

80,000.

Besides our stated goal, one of our other objectives was to demonstrate to society that older adults still had much of value to contribute to society.

That they had the skills, tenacity, and desire necessary to make a meaningful difference in the world.

That they Weren’t. Done. Yet.

Despite the incredible impact they had at the local level, it seems that society writ large did not get the memo.

It’s a darn shame, too.

Because the older adults in our communities still have a great deal to say.

And they’re worth learning from—and listening to.

At a home-grown protest rally. And in every other aspect of our lives.