IT seems that silver is the new gold!
Most seniors would have some gold on their person, mainly in the shape of a ring or a pendant.
Generally, gold is valued as a metal that has been popular for centuries. Thousands of years ago gold was used to signify great wealth and prosperity and adorned many temples in various guises.
It was often associated with extravagance, arrogance and social status.
Many thousands of years ago, gold coins were used in the buying of commodities and payment for services rendered. Many old coins were found in old shipwrecks.
Gold is used in many ways due to its ease of use. It is the most malleable of all the metals. It can be pressed into various shapes without breaking and can be beaten into very thin sheets.
Many seniors see investing in gold as a means of retirement income, a way to hedge against inflation.
Some older folks in other countries have had their dentist cap their teeth with gold or even replace their tooth with a gold one believing this to be a symbol of wealth.
There are many ways that gold finds its way into our language and conversations.
You may have a Gold Mastercard or live at the Gold Coast or have won a gold trophy, seemingly to signify “top of the line”.
And there’s “gold class” etc. Or you may have to pay a gold coin entry.
Seniors are seen to reach their “golden years”, a time when they can finally retire and take it easy doing the things they always wanted to accomplish.
There is a gold expo held in Canberra, where those silver-haired seniors can find out how fitness plays a major part in our longevity.
We can also discover how to be fully engaged in life with the many valuable aged care options available to us from the Federal Government.
But what’s so special about gold?
It has a unique colour and shine, and combined with the fact that it doesn’t tarnish, has a unique edge over other metals.
Three main colours purchased at the jewellers are yellow gold, white gold and rose gold, and these colours are often combined with sapphires, rubies and diamonds to make beautiful rings and other jewellery.
Various qualities of gold are signified by 9 carat through to 24 carat.
As seniors our golden years are important to us, but everywhere we turn we see the promotion of youth.
Advertisements, sports, activities, people younger than ourselves, and you wonder “how can this person be in such an important position at such a young age”.
It certainly makes one wonder.
Unfortunately, ageing is not seen in the same way by all people.
Western countries seeing growing older as a negative, while in many eastern countries they hold their elderly in high regard – why is that?!
Perhaps a discussion for another day.
