Lovers of 1955, 1956 and 1957 Chevrolets gathered in Kentucky recently for the fourth annual Tri-Five Nationals.

As the former owner of a ’57 Bel Air 2-door hardtop and current owner of a ’57 Nomad, I was pleased to finally attend this massive gathering of like-minded souls, and to observe the many permutations of their vehicles.

From bone factory stock to fire-breathing, wheel-standing gassers, thousands of vintage Chevrolets represented the full range of possibilities with respect to restoration and customization.

It shouldn’t surprise readers to know that the average age of attendees at this event was considerably higher than the population as a whole. Classic cars generally hold a fascination for those who were around when they were just regular cars. These beauties only became “classics” when it dawned on us that the Federal government had strangled artistic creativity in automotive design. The relatively few youngsters present appeared to be grandchildren of enthusiasts.

The sad news here is that the classic car hobby may one day die a slow death, due to the departures of its adherents. It seems to me that too few of the succeeding generations love these classics to keep the hobby strong.  The good news is that, for now, there are plenty of Medicare participants who are active, involved, energetic, spry and enthusiastic about this hobby in particular and life in general.

While standing in various lines, I overheard and participated in several conversations about joint replacement surgery. Fortunately, medical science seems to be making great contributions to the health and vitality of this aging population.  I believe that the people I observed who are in their 60s and 70s today are much younger physically and mentally than their parents would have seemed at the same ages.

May it ever be thus!