activist known for founding the Gray Panthers
movement in 1971 after being forced into retirement by the Presbyterian Church. The Gray Panthers became known for advocating nursing home
reform
and fighting ageism
, claiming that "old people and women constitute America's biggest untapped and undervalued human energy source." She also dedicated her life to fighting for human rights, social and economic justice, global peace, integration, and an understanding of mental health issues.
Learning and sex until rigor mortis.
When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say.
Power should not be concentrated in the hands of so few, and powerlessness in the hands of so many.
Old age is not a disease-- it is strength and survivorship, triumph over all kinds of vicissitudes and disappointments, trials and illnesses.
Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind -- even if your voice shakes.
The worst indignity is to be given a bedpan by a stranger who calls you by your first name.
By the year 2020, the year of perfect vision, the old will outnumber the young.
Men and women approaching retirement age should be recycled for public service work, and their companies should foot the bill. We can no longer afford to scrap-pile people.
There must be a goal at every stage of life! There must be a goal!