The Power of the Elderly: Social Security Disability and Advanced Aged individuals
As a society, we spend alot of time mourning and pining over the inadequacies and mistakes that constantly arise in our young generation (For purposes of this discussion, the young generation is anyone under 50). The entertainment community is still reeling from the death of Teen Idol Corey Haim. We are still anxiously watching the rehabilitation of Tiger Woods. The sports world is closely following Marion Jones. We won’t even talk about the countless Lindsey Lohan, Nicole Richie and Brittney Spears sitings that tend to dominate the airways.
I understand that this information may be pertinent. And let’s get one thing straight, I’m RIGHT in the mix of those people who are following all of this extraneous information (I would be a hypocrite if I denied that I didn’t want to know how Britney Spears was doing with her kids).
But the thing that blows my mind is the power of the elderly. Which is why some people who are applying don’t fully appreciate why the Social Security Disability regulations tends to be more favorable for those over the age of 50.
For those of you who don’t know, the Social Security Administration puts people in 5 categories when it comes to applying for Disability claims:
1) Childrens: 17 years and younger
2) Younger Individuals: 18 years to 49 years
3) Closely Approaching Advanced age: 50 – 54 years
4) Advanced Aged: 55 – 59 years
5) Closely Approaching retirement age: 60 years to 64 years.
The regulations tend treat those individuals who are over the age of 50 differently because those individuals have a tendency to have been in the work force for a more significant period of time. Therefore, their ability to adapt to other jobs may be diminished as time progressed.
However, there’s another thing that people underestimate. It’s not something that is readily written in the regulations. CREDIBILITY! Especially if the person is someone who has CONSISTENTLY worked for years and years and is still trying.
Don’t believe me? Not trying to say that these persons should apply for disability but keep these thoughts in mind:
1) Michael Jackson, 50 – before he died, you could arguably say that there are few people who could dance with him at his age.
2) Chuck Norris, 70 – he still does work out videos, he still teaches, and his still considered one of the baddest martial artists of all times.
3) Tina Turner, 70 – she got finished with a tour, a TOUR in Europe and for those who have never seen her, she dances NON stop!
4) Betty White, 80 – she’s still doing movies and do I need to remind you that her commercial was the number 1 Super Bowl commercial and there was a FACEBOOK drive to get her on Saturday Night Live??
You know why these people STAND out? It’s because there is something inherently credible about someone who continues to work despite their age and the underlying health problems that come along with it. You respect those people because they don’t make any excuses. They HIT IT!!
Now, don’t get salty and think that if you’re young and you’re not working that I’m calling you out. I’m doing that at all. I just need you to understand how powerful a statement that it sends when an elderly person has had a long and continuous work history. This information demonstrates to the Social Security Administration that a person was dedicated and committed to sustaining their livelihood. In addition, in the end, most of these people would RATHER be working than receiving benefits. Am I saying that this is going to guarantee their receiving benefits?? NO. Am I saying that it helps? DAMN RIGHT!
Remember, the very essence of Social Security requires individuals to work and pay into the system. The system can’t work unless you work. When an elderly person applies, it says alot about their credibility. SSA may give a little more deference to what they have to say when they complain of aches and pains because if their record shows they are a WARRIOR, they know that WARRIORS don’t whine!
The Social Security process is long but it does value those who truly are dedicated to contributing to its long term progress. Don’t sleep on the Power of the Elderly.
