The views expressed in this column are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily those of the ownership or management of this newspaper.

The focus on carbon imprints and recycling comes from the ìgreeningî of Davis County. Now a new analysis points out another trend: the ìgrayingî of Davis County. ##M:MORE##

Yes, weíre getting older. Davis County already hosts Irene Leishman who, at 108 is the stateís oldest citizen. Soon sheíll have all kinds of company. Analysis of new census numbers show that by 2030 the number of 65-and-olders will nearly triple, and about one in every six residents will be closing in or already hurdled over age 65. Put another way, there will be more retired (or able to retire) Davis County residents than there will be working-age adults.

The news media has played up the future need for caregivers and assisted living centers. But I see the aging script through a different lens.

City governments will have to look to us for employment. If Bountiful City wants to hire people without tattoos, it better look at the Golden Years Center, not the dance clubs. Old fogies like me avoid needles, just as we avoid rattlesnakes and IRS audits.

Grocery stores will have to rearrange their store shelves, placing more emphasis on Grecian Formula than on RockStar energy drinks.

Pharmacies will have to expand their hours; weíll no longer be labeled as hypochondriacs.

Restaurants will have to react. There will be whole new crowds at the Chuck-A-Rama, especially those arriving at 4 p.m. to take advantage of the dinner menu at the luncheon price.

Barnes and Noble will be forced to order more ìbig printî editions.

A reader recently sent me a litany of perks we older Utahns can enjoy. Among them:

ÖIn a hostage situation, we are more likely to be released first.

ÖWe can live without sex, but not without glasses.

ÖInstead of getting into heated arguments over religion or politics, weíll trash talk about pension plans.

ÖOur secrets will be safe because our friends wonít be able to remember them either.

Yes, aging has its benefits. When I act cranky, people will figure itís my age rather than just being obnoxious or insufferable. I wonít be criticized for leaving a movie theater to use the restroom. If I spill something or stain my clothes, youngsters will brush is off as the ìthe old guy wants tie-dyed clothing that he remembers from the 1960ís.î

Getting older has its rewards. But at the same time, I donít feel quite ready yet to join the Social Security set.

I donít want a cane or a senior citizen discount punch cardÖMaybe just a little nap now and then.