An Astronaut Who Proves Seniors Can Reach the Heights

Once in a great while, the people who make the big decisions really nail one. They get a brainstorm so inspired that the rest of us can do nothing but bow at the waist and applaud. Why can’t it always be that way?

The source of my boundless giddiness this morning is the news that John Glenn is going back into space. What a great story. With so many phony newsmakers and nonevents dotting the landscape, how did we finally hit upon an idea that really zings?

And zing it does.

Is it because a 77-year-old man will be boarding a Discovery space shuttle in October and be launched into space? Is it because John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, and we all saw it on black-and-white TV, and he’s been part of Americana ever since? Is it because millions of older Americans will have someone of their generation to rally behind as an inspirational figure? Is it because Glenn’s space flight might represent a turning point in how younger Americans view people in their 70s, 80s and beyond? Or, is it just that the term “77-year-old astronaut” has such a great ring to it?

It’s a great story because all those reasons are going to come together when Glenn steps into a spacesuit in October and gives the thumbs-up signal. I’m reminded of comic Dennis Miller’s gag about how old Ronald Reagan was while president and the fact that Reagan had his finger on the nuclear-war button. “My grandfather’s the same age as Reagan, and we don’t even let him touch the remote control,” Miller used to say.

Miller and a lot of us will eat a lot of delicious crow when Glenn heads into space.

People already are excited about it. “He was the first one into orbit, so why shouldn’t he have the satisfaction and honor of going up as a senior citizen?” says Mardella Matthews of Garden Grove. “I’m all for it, because I think he earned the right to go up.”

I asked her about the mopey behavior that afflicts some seniors and whether Glenn’s odyssey might inspire them. “There are people like that,” she said. “I go up to the senior center, and I learned a long time ago not to say ‘How are you doing?’ because you’re going to hear about aches and pains from some of them. So I always compliment them instead--’Oh, what a beautiful blouse,’ or ‘Your hair looks good.’ I’m a positive person, myself. I’m 78, and I look in the mirror and wonder who that stranger is.”

I can dig it. I’m a generation behind Glenn, but I sense that this old-age thing has a built-in double whammy. If you’re in poor health, the problems are obvious. But if you’re in good health, it must be equally irritating to have people think you’re just an old horse ready for the glue factory.

Lesghinka and Ritchie Wilson of Laguna Beach recently returned from an African safari that included a canoe trip on the Zambezi River. Younger relatives and friends of theirs “wouldn’t consider doing that,” Mrs. Wilson, 72, said.

As for Glenn’s impending trip, she said, “I also think it’s great for those of us who everybody in the younger generation sort of considers too far gone to do much. Yet, we still can. I for one am going to keep going just as long as I can. I think it’s great he can do it and is willing to do it, and that they’re asking him to do it. I admire him that he still has this drive and get-up-and-go.”

Maybe the Glenn story touched me because my mother has a birthday Monday. She’s a few years younger than Glenn, but I know she resents any insinuation that people in their 70s have done all they’re going to do . . . and how can I argue when she took up golf at 65 and already has one more hole-in-one than I?

Glenn has already said he’s dedicating his flight to everyone entitled to Social Security. As his October launch date nears and the nation focuses attention on it, we just might become a bit more enlightened about our older citizens.

On the other hand, I know another local man who, in his heart of hearts, probably questions all the fuss over a whippersnapper like Glenn. He’s Russell Anderson of Santa Ana, who, at 91, still does occasional hourlong one-man shows in which he portrays painter Norman Rockwell. Anderson is still hoping to land an agent so he can broaden his fan base.

“Back about the time John Glenn first went into space [1962], people never would have thought of someone 77 going on a space flight,” Anderson said Saturday. He thinks society is less shocked nowadays that someone of Glenn’s age is space-worthy.

Uh, maybe so. I suspect we’re still somewhat condescending toward our oldsters.

I bid Anderson adieu but not before asking how he spent his Saturday morning. “My wife and I went over to the mall and walked a bit,” he said. “Of course, she’s a lot sprier than I am. She’s only 87.”

Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Readers may reach Parsons by calling (714) 966-7821, by writing to him at The Times Orange County Edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or by e-mail at dana.parsons@latimes.com.