There was once a time when our elders were revered, but now many of us treat them as if they are lacking physically and mentally and can no longer take care of themselves. In the Adams text it states that even though elders could live for seventy years they are still capable of functioning as a forty year old.
I am guilty of just this thing. I never realized that I was treating my Nana (grandmother) so disrespectfully. She’s been here for seventy-six years and now I feel as though I have the right to question her motives and every move she makes. I feel like her growing age effects all of us. We all worry about her health and her well being, but we struggle giving her the independence she deserves. My family doesn't mean to treat her as though she's incompetent or can't take care of herself, but at times it seems inevitable.
I found this clip that reminded me of different types of ageism...
On another note, I also struggle with the the replacement of older female news anchors with younger ones. It's not enough that we live in a world where we are constantly engulfed with trying to age gracefully and look younger than our years, but we are losing jobs because of it, and promoting this unhealthy lifestyle to our children. Like this Walmart ad...
Ageism is a constant struggle for all of us. Whether it's trying to look younger or act older then your years we all have difficulties trying to adjust to the world. I couldn't imagine being older and trying to transition into this world where we have computers, and cell phones and all of this technology that even takes me a while to adapt to. I went home a month ago and tried to teach my Nana how to use my touch screen phone and it was extremely difficult for her. I know that I keep referring to my Nana, but that's really the only older adult that I can relate to.
I found this pic that I thought was culturally taboo.
Symone -
ReplyDeleteWhether a person is a child/teen, older adult, or adult at any age, it's sometimes difficult for the person's loved ones to know when a boundary is about to be crossed. We are concerned about our children, siblings, friends, parents, and grandparents. But, when you're on the receiving end, it can be annoying when someone's always telling you to be careful, or reminding you about appts. or to take medicine, etc. We just have to be patient, and remind each other that we do these things because we care. Also, interesting video clips. Great post!
I agree with Shirley. I feel we all suffer from oppression because of our age at all ages. And i have to admit I always worry about my grandparents. My grandma is always out going to bingo's and visiting other people. her only way of transportation is the bus and in Mexico, the city busses are crazy! I am always worked that she is going to fall or get hurt. She gets mad when all of her kids and grand children question her about her outings. Now incompletely understand. All she wants is her independence. And like Shirley says we have to be patient and respect their decisions. And yes very interesting videos i love the awl mart one!
ReplyDeleteSymone-
ReplyDeleteFirst off I completely agree with your comment concerning the women achor's job loss. No age is ever good enough it seems.. but sometimes I think it goes deeper. It's like society wants us to believe we are never good enough, just as we are, no matter what stage of life. Great post!
Oh- and seriously I cannot stop laughing at the story you told to our group about when you call your Nana. That is priceless!