Nudism: A Sagging Tradition

Around the world, the specter of aging populations in developed countries looms ominously large on the horizon. Social welfare systems strained to the breaking point and empty kindergarten classes send a much deserved shiver down peoples' backs. In places like Germany the flagging birthrate has left the Teutons with a rapidly graying folk. Japan's aging citizenry is expected to drop to 100 million by 2050. But these developments have more far-ranging consequences than just economics or the impact on social support systems. The hallowed and much-revered practice of Nudism is on the wane as well. Frightening new statistics from the American Association for Nude Recreation reveal that 90% of nudists today are over 35 and the trend is only getting worse. Solair Recreation League, a nudist resort in Connecticut, reports that its median membership age is a staggering 55. The nudists themselves blame the problem on high membership fees and a misperception among the young as to what it means to be a nudist. One arrogant 'textile,' largely dismissive of the growing calamity, suggested that today's young people have little interest in "loose skin and old balls ... gross." A spokesman for the AANR called this reasoning patently ridiculous.