Should Dick Clark retire?
Dick Clark, the perennially youthful 78 year old American television host who had a major stoke in 2004, made an appearance on his New Year’s Eve show a few days ago.
While he looks better (to me, anyway), he still has significant speech issues that make some people uncomfortable.
There’s an interesting discussion at Boomer Chronicles about whether or not he should have made the television appearance.
I must admit, I was uncomfortable when he first began speaking, but, then I realized I didn’t know why I felt that way, and, he quite frankly sounded a lot better than he did last year, and, seems to be improving, actually.
I thought he seemed on the ball (heh, I guess that was a pun), even though his countdown was slightly off. I chalked that up to his audio feed actually.
I was more annoyed by Ryan Seacrest’s constant use of the word “boss” so we would all know that Clark was still in charge.
It’s sad in a way that “America’s Teenager” had a stroke, but, perhaps he’s a good example for people with disabilities.
What do you think?
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POSTED IN: Aging
6 opinions for Should Dick Clark retire?
Bluegrass Mama
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I say, “Rock on, Dick!” Last year I was definitely taken aback by his speech problems, but was glad to see his improvement this year. I think he’s a great example that health issues don’t mean you have to become a recluse for the rest of your life.
Kristen King
Jan 3, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I’ll take Dick Clark over Ryan Seacrest any day. :) I think he did a great job and although his speech is clearly affected, his spirit doesn’t seem to be. I would love to see him keep doing his thing.
kk
midlife mommy
Jan 4, 2008 at 11:52 am
I’m sorry that I missed him. I often wonder how people can be so accepting of people with special needs — except for the elderly.
Ginny
Jan 4, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I was a bit upset last year, it was hard seeing him like that. I did give him much credit though! I was glad to see him this year, he sounded so much better. I think as long as he can do it, why not.
JayMonster
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I am mixed. I don’t know why, but he seemed far more “off” this year than he has since his return. And that made me feel “sad” but I am not so sure why. Of course I feel bad for him, but also I felt like a bit of myself, my memories of the past, etc being lost to time as well. That this is now part of the past if you know what I mean.
I don’t think he should retire until he wants to. But on the other hand, I don’t know that I can watch him again.
Hallie
Jan 12, 2008 at 10:44 am
I had a stroke at age 30, and was affected by mild aphasia for some time. It’s amazing how many people, friends actually, who were impatient with my recovery. This experience changed my attitude (if you walk a mile in their moccasins, you never push past someone in a walker again!) I think Dick Clark is a hero to everyone who has been touched by stroke and illness in general, and quite frankly, even with his speech issues, he beats the tar out of Ryan Seacrest any day!
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