As someone who turned 60 last summer, I’m probably more sensitive to various forms of “ageism” or age discrimination than many of you, and a story I saw recently about the arrest of Georgia’s so-called “Grandpa Bandit” set off big, booming alarm bells in my mind.
Ah, I thought, here’s some story about a colorful old coot who probably hobbled into the banks he robbed on canes or a walker. Or, I thought further, perhaps he had some sort of “southern gentleman” charm with the lady tellers, easing their fears and making them almost happy to give the poor, gentle old soul their bank’s money.
Nope. The “Grandpa Bandit” was dubbed that by the FBI because of his age. He showed no particular evidence of physical disabilities, had no special, courtly manners — indeed, he showed a gun at all six bank and one credit union robberies he was being suspected of. He was given the title “Grandpa Bandit” merely because of his age. He is 64.
64? 64?? 64?????
Yes, 64. Not yet old enough to apply for Medicare, and not old enough to be fully “vested” in Social Security. But apparently 64 is old enough in the eyes of the FBI to have fun poked at you as the “Grandpa Bandit.”
My lordy, lordy — and I’ve heard or read many people who say that “60 is the new 40.” Come on, people, I know there are many “grandpas” in their 60s, even their 50s. But please, “Grandpa Bandit” at 64?? Get real. And show a bit more respect for your elders.
Ah, well, what do I know? I’m just a guy who reads the papers.
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