There is a negative connotation that becoming a senior is “bad” and that we should avoid it like the plague. According to the Oxford Dictionary, stigma is a “mark of disgrace associated with a circumstance, quality, or person.” This means that a senior is a mark of disgrace! The stigma that comes with it is even worse. Words like slow, burden, and angry are all associated with the idea that these are automatic character traits once you reach a certain age. In a world of technology, “out with the old and in with the new” is a constant as desperate attempts to stay young and hip has become our new norm.
The media also plays its role in our negative perceptions and ideologies of seniors. The elderly is often portrayed in movies as grumpy or hostile furthering the stigma of our elder population. These types of stereotypes create a generational gap between what we distinguish between young and old; and truly creates an inaccurate perception of all elderly people. The insensitivity to the challenges that seniors face also leads to the negative feelings that seniors may feel about themselves. The loss of mobility, memory, independence, and the social isolation can be a heavy load for any person to bear.
But what is the truth about getting older? Sophia Loren once said, “there is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
The truth is that seniors have a multitude of knowledge, wisdom and value in our society. Despite the negative attributes and labels, we may attach to them, many seniors find a new lease on life. They maintain a positive outlook on life and are enjoying this new phase. Many seniors, or active adults, are still physically active, remain positive, and are just as technologically savvy as some young people. Their intelligence, resilience, and willingness to adapt to their new reality is to be commended. Seniors, we value your place in society and all that you represent.
As Mildred L. White states in her original poem, I’m a Senior Citizen, “Don’t cancel me out before I’m through, let me do what I am here to do!” P.S. This is an original poem by my mother.
