The reading this week brought up several topics I am just
not ready to think about with regard to my own life quite yet. I know that
there is so much to look forward to late in life, especially now that people
are able to live healthier and continue being active for so much longer. I
would love to dream about the adventures retirement will bring but there is
just so much going on in this phase in life that it’s hard to see much further
in the future.
I thought
that the Ageism in America article
was really interesting. We definitely have many stereotypes when it comes to
the elderly and Dr. Robert Butler states that “daily we are witness to, or even
unwitting participants in, cruel imagery, jokes, language, and attitudes directed
at older people.” I don’t think the jokes and “over the hill” birthday cards
are meant to be cruel but they certainly reflect a culture who is scared of
aging. I think we use this type of ‘humor’ to try and make an uncomfortable
topic more bearable. I am curious how attitudes will shift as more and more
baby boomers increase in age. I think we will always strive for youthfulness but
hopefully we will reach a point where that is less about Botox and more about
playing and interacting with grandchildren.
I am
thankful that my girls still have a very active great grandma and great grandpa
in their lives. Hopefully we can reduce some of the negative stereotypes for
them and promote a healthier and positive attitude toward aging so that they
are able to embrace the wisdom and changes that it brings.
Hi Melenie,
ReplyDeleteI think the problem with ageism is that people always look to the current moment. Many of my patients in the nursing home are WW II veterans, and others are wives of veterans. I have a high respect for these man and their families and though I do my best for all elderly, I hold those with an even higher respect.
I love listening to them and their stories. They all had a spectacular life, and all their achievements should be announced to younger generations, so we can have a reference to drive our lives in a more meaningful way.
I think the cruel imagery, jokes, language, and attitudes directed at older people are a product of generations that are living under the carpe diem lifestyle. in my opinion, most people are not thinking about legacy, but just how they can live life right here, right now.