admin“Every generation perceives itself to be more intelligent than the one
that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.”
George Orwell
Many people hold certain inanimate objects in such high regard the older it becomes. People will pay big bucks and travel miles to check out vintage cars or pay incredible amounts for aged cheese or wine. Yet, we don’t always offer the same regard and attention to one of the most important and vital resources in our society – our elders. In my opinion it equates to a form of ageism. For many, the reverence and beliefs about older adults need reevaluated. Though we’re taught at a young age, “be respectful to your elders,” it goes much beyond that childhood advice mom gave us. We often hear stereotypes about the elderly being past their prime, slow, or helpless. It’s not to say everyone feels this way, but unfortunately many do. Typically it’s out of ignorance more than anything else. Conversely, we can assign negative labels and weaknesses to every age group, but each has unique qualities, talents and insight to share with others, especially our elders.
Ignorance plus a sort of phobia to reach out to older adults can feed ageism. Ageism is not as controversial, savage, or extreme as other forms of prejudice like racism, sexism and discrimination. Nonetheless, it’s the one form of prejudice than can potentially affect each one us if we happen to be fortunate enough to live that long. Neglect, dismissive behavior and elder abuse are born out of ageism.
Check out this video entitled “Mind the Gap” that was submitted to ALFA (Assisted Living Federation of America) that holds an annual short film competition to help the fight against ageism. It was the winning entry for 2011 and it captures the disconnect or “gap” that we often see between generations.
Society needs to change the conversation and views about growing older. First off, it’s simply the right thing to do. We need to gain a better appreciation for what we have today. The freedom and liberty we are so fortunate to have and the innovation and opportunities we enjoy have all been gifted to us by our elders. We owe them a great deal of gratitude and debt just as we will expect from our children and grandchildren.
We also have to believe in the old adage “age is just a number.” We can try new things and do great things at any age. A second or encore career, volunteerism, continuing education, and staying active are still important parts of an older adult’s life. And despite retirement and withdrawing from the mainstream workforce, their past and current contributions to society are critical. Volunteering, pro bono work, assisting with child care and creative thought are just several examples in which older adults and retirees help American companies and workers save millions of dollars each year.
Next, the conversation will demand change. The almost 80 million Baby Boomers will have plenty to say about how they are viewed and treated. Some Baby Boomers may actually have been guilty of ageism in their younger days, but now that they are there they will not let it carry on. They will be more vocal and will demand the respect and appreciation their parents may not have received. Terminology will need to change, plus our entire approach and delivery of care and services will need to change. It won’t be providing services and care for a small or disadvantaged niche of the population, but rather it will meeting the needs of the largest and most influential generation in our history.
Lastly, if you believe in karma, one day we will want and will earn the respect and admiration that our elders deserve. Remember, what comes around goes around.
