Getting Tired of Being Old
If you are an older adult, are you tired of people treating you differently because you are older? If so, then you are probably experiencing one of the “ism’s.” Along with sexism and racism, ageism is part of our culture.
My words today are not meant to stamp out ageism but rather to assist those of us who have to deal with the fact that in the United States youth often equals beauty, value, and attention whereas age often equals being obsolete, boring and unattractive.
For example, do you feel “passed over” in new social situations such as when visiting a church, joining a club of mixed age people, waiting for reservations in a crowded restaurant, or seeking service in a busy shopping mall? Does your careful and sometimes leisurely driving style elicit hard stares, honking horns, or even obscene gestures from younger drivers who probably consider you dimwitted? Do you feel as though there is often a rudeness in the tone of those from whom you seek information on the telephone that stems from their sense of urgency and ignores your need for patience?
Those of us who are baby boomers or older can sight many more examples of feeling “left behind” or undervalued by the younger generation. However, here are some things that can be done to create “diversions,” enjoy your age and, perhaps, cause you to be seen as less geezerly and more genteel.
Do you affect dowdiness, frumpiness, etc.? Have you “let yourself go” and put on extra pounds, ditched all cosmetics and given up on your hair? I know a beautiful older woman who wears a flower in her hair to social events and a man whose well tanned and youthful physique carves 25 years off of his appearance.
Why not seek out dining establishments, social situations, and even travel routes that appreciate and make accommodations for the generational differences that come with age? Senior programs, accommodations, and marketing strategies are beginning to use the theme “age has its privileges.” More television commercials, movie themes, retirement centers, specialty sections of food stores, accessories for automobiles, and many other technological innovations are being developed because as the population grows older, the spending capacity of this group is becoming very noticeable. Be aware of the political power of seniors, support groups like A.A.R.P., and make your needs and wants known to the younger generation in an assertive and deliberate fashion.
