One month and five days to Christmas! Peace on earth to warring siblings, separated couples, families torn apart for whatever reason or reasons!

In Pampanga, the lantern festival beckons. In Tarlac, Belenismo reigns supreme. In Metro Manila’s component cities, the lights on traffic islands and up on electric posts shine brighter than ever.

In Batangas City, the birthday party of Tony Pastor – his 97th – had all the trimmings of Christmas. For Tony the benefactor of young musicians, an Outstanding Citizen of Batangas and Papal Awardee whose mantra is “no wife, long life,” 120 guests arrived in spite of the typhoon. They feasted on dishes prepared for 150 and were invited to Tony’s upcoming birthdays, “when I’ll be 98, 99, and on to my centennial!”

Tony begins the day every day by going to church and joining in the singing of hymns. Then he walks around the block, a big block because it’s a big house. He is the golden example of a senior citizen who thinks young, looks young, lives young, who celebrates the great mystery of life by singing, having and spreading fun. He lives with five mistresses, each with three legs and 88 black and white keys.

One of these days I should introduce Tony to Ompong Ordanes, who heads the Commission for Senior Citizens. To quote the Commissioner, “the best thing about being a senior citizen” is understanding what truly matters: “You know the value of relationships, kindness, and time. You appreciate even the simplest joys and you know how to find contentment in small victories.”

Growing old should be a prize as good as gold. It should not be a punishment. Ompong: “And while many still struggle, we will not stop until every senior citizen, rich or poor, is assured of security, respect, and support by the government.” There are days when he watches how senior citizens line up at a hospital for free treatment. They have no savings, no insurance, they fall in line, and by the time their name or number is called, they look more frail than ever.

The old saying, “Health is wealth,” may sound trite, but in the next elections, let’s hear the candidates tell us how they intend to help the elderly stay healthy.