Maybe it was because we didn't have a slew of toys as kids that forced us to be creative with whatever was available.
Or that it wasn't a disgrace to not have what everyone else had.
Or is it simply the fact that times have changed?Whatever the reason, we sure had fun with those cardboard boxes.
I'm talking about the boxes that those early TV sets, refrigerators and water heaters came in.
These were thick, corrugated, sturdy, brown shipping containers and offered all kinds of potential to be useful.
With both sets of end flaps pulled back, the box could be a tunnel from one secret hide-away to another.
If one flap was closed, the container functioned as a pup tent or garage for bikes, wagons and paddle cars.
By closing both end flaps a side door and window could be carved out to make it into a little cabin.
And, if you had a couple of these treasured boxes, they could be combined to build a great fort.
Opening up one of the side panel could turn what was once a multi-use structure into a stage for puppets or perhaps a lemonade stand.
Tearing off all the side panels resulted in four nifty toboggans that were great for a snowy day or to use to slide down muddy hills anytime of the year.
These containers were as versatile as your imagination.
Creating fun out of simple things was a way of life back when the New Seniors were kids.
This kind of creativity lasted until the computer age took hold, which is less than two decades ago.
That's when personal video games came on the scene.
These, then, transitioned into computer games and ultimately into smart phone applications.
What's the next big change coming that will on the surface appear to be enhancing the technical skills of American children while actually blocking them from being creative, learning mind-expanding concepts and enjoying personal interfacing with other kids?You can bet that it will involve hand-held technology designed to stimulate rather than educate their young minds.
And, the function will likely be performed alone or if it includes they will not be in the same room.
We could chalk this up to progress and simply turn our backs on the lessons the kids (our children andgrandchildren) are exposed to today.
By doing this, New Seniors would be giving tacit approval for the non-school education of our youth to be placed in the hands of the game makers.
Sure, the electronic age is here to stay and grow.
However, it's up to New Seniors to help the kids have fun with the things around them that are free and don't require batteries or an online connection.
But, don't just tell them about what it used to be like; show them how you did it and let their imaginations run wild.
A good place to start might be to get an appliance box andhelp them creative something with it.