Greeting card companies are starting to have second thoughts about cards that treat aging with hilarity, and let’s face it, disdain. Seniors today have ceased to find jokes that demean aging the least little bit funny.
Making fun of looks, abilities, handicaps, and potential mental disparities is sin poor taste, and should not be tolerated. The worst part is when older folks, the targets, start to believe what they hear. People who are exposed to words like confused, forgetful, senile, and frail are more apt to accept this as normal.
Negative words about aging can be spirit breaking. Studies show that seniors who believe these condescending stereotypes are more apt to develop health problems.
While society now considers it unacceptable to be openly sexist, racist or homophobic, old people are still fair game. Fight stereotypes by not letting others patronize you or treat you like a child. Having a handicap, of any kind, does not mean that your intelligence or your capabilities have been dumbed down.
It is time to lift your chin up, throw your shoulders back, and speak up. Make it known that aging is about being accomplished, alert, astute, creative, and experienced.
Do your part. Try saying no to “senior moments” or expressions like “over the hill,” and for heaven’s sake don’t repeat them.
Accept help but don’t portray yourself as helpless. Do not allow people to take over and do things for you that you can do for yourself.
Ageism cuts both ways…don’t feel that age is an excuse for your behavior…thinking that you have nothing to learn from young people or that you already know everything you need to know, is as bad as young people thinking that you are boring, poorly educated, or a know-it-all.
Viewing aging as nothing but decline is unacceptable. Negative thoughts about aging are mired in ignorance. Your job is to educate your public and let them know that you are still here. Each birthday should be seen as a reflection of your growth and development, a new beginning.
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