Due to doctor’s orders to do as little as possible and take it easy for a week or so, while some minor skin surgery heals, I’ve spent the past week reclining in front of the television, watching the Red Sox and reading everything I could get my hands on. I realize that younger generations think this is what most senior citizens routinely do, but it is far from reality. It’s a good thing this “reclining” lifestyle is temporary.

I’m rethinking the value of cable television. What a lot of drivel in high-definition color is presented as “entertainment,” from soap operas to constant reruns of huge trucks on ice roads, to makeovers for everything from bodies to houses and the so-called reality shows. But during this past week, the real news created a lot of competition for viewers of scheduled daytime programming.

First, Farah Fawcett, the well-known actress, died. Before the networks had a chance to present hour long specials about her, the news of a state governor’s dalliance was flashed across the screens. For people in my age group, this was sort of old hat. After all, how many in public office have we viewed giving their watered-down apologies and baring their soul (if they have one) to the public. We were underwhelmed, I’m sure, at the latest expose. I mean, can anything top Watergate and that presidency?

Just once, I’d like to see a press conference held before the extra-marital affair, when voters could be apprised of what their elected official is really up to. Announce the trip to Argentina and make clear who is paying for it and prepare the wife and children for the zillions of questions they’ll face in school and at church. Don’t wait until the affair is ended and a little extra publicity is craved.

Still, even that traveling governor and his adolescent e-mails didn’t capture the headlines for long. Reminiscent of the O. J. Simpson debacle, the news of the death of the self-proclaimed King of Pop claimed every news channel. It was painful to watch as seasoned reporters and news analysts set aside the reports from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Washington, D. C., and spend their time rewriting and discussing the flamboyant and self-indulgent life of yet another pop idol. It was almost preferable to watch reruns of “The Beverly Hillbillies” or “The Andy Griffith Show.

For quite a few days in June, the sagging economy, Bonny Eagle graduation and the on-going snafus with state budgets all took a back seat to our national celebrities.

There’s always something to learn, and if this wet weather ever gives way to summer, senior citizens who would like to get out and do a little traveling in our beautiful state might need to be reminded about the free admission to state parks and recreation areas. There is no need to get a special pass, as long as you can prove your age. In most cases, gray hair will do it. The Bureau of Parks and Lands allows visitors 65 years of age and older free day-use admission. (This announcement came in the mail this past week – when you’ve nothing else to do, everything in the mail box takes on new importance.)

During the past week, as I perused many newspapers and read every columnist. I also learned that beach balls are commonplace at high school graduations. That’s what I read. I wonder if I’m in the minority – again – and am the only senior citizen who is unaware. It’s been more than 20 years since I attended a high school graduation and more than 50 years since I had to speak at my own ceremony, but beach balls weren’t included. It was difficult enough for me to make a speech at the age of 17, without having to dodge anything being thrown around.

Along with some other seniors, I have a lot of catching up to do with this younger generation. Meanwhile, I am hoping thatwhat I’ve observed on daytime television isn’t an example of the new culture.