I've made a discovery over the last couple of years, and I have to be honest; I am shocked. I'm talking about the way the elderly are treated in today's fast-paced, high-tech society.

I won't pull any punches. I'm going to come right out and tell you something that, for whatever reason, the elderly won't talk about. I've reached what I consider to be old age and I'll tell you like it is. It's great.

If I had known that old people were treated so well, I would have gotten old a long time ago. There are so many benefits to being old. It all starts at about 55 years of age. Did you (and by "you" I mean you young whippersnappers of 54 and younger) know that McDonald's will sell you a cup of coffee at a discount? It's true. 

And, as you age, year by year, it only gets better. I can't even begin to tell you all the great things. But, I'll share a few of the things that make old age so beautiful.

For one thing, if you like getting mail, AARP will send you something about every day. I didn't know any organization cared so much.  And here's another, senior prices at Golden Corral.  Can you believe it?

And the way people treat you...well, it's downright wonderful.  Just this morning a young lady was leaving the WaWa ahead of me. She waited and held the door open for me. I think she would have helped me lift my walker over the curb if I'd asked, and, of course, if I were using one.

I also notice that people are more tolerant of doddering old men than they are of doddering young men. I've always been intimidated by drive-thru menus. I get to the loud speaker and I get flustered and confused. When I was younger, the cashier would give me a harsh stare when I finally made it to the window and slowly counted out my change. Now, they just look at me and smile. "Take your time, dear," they'll say.

I love it. I love everything about old age, except of course, for the wrinkles, but fortunately, my wrinkles progress as my eyesight regresses. So, I still look pretty good in the mirror.  

And, get this, when you turn 62, you hit the old man lottery.  Each month, and I swear I'm not making this up, the government will send you a check. You don't have to do anything but spend it.  It's fantastic.

Well, there you have it. The honest truth. I love being old. I just wish I'd get to enjoy it a little bit longer. But, hey, who am I to complain?