One of the fastest growing segments of population is that of the elderly. One report suggests that by 2050, there could more than 1 million people in the United States who are over 100 years of age or more. This phenomenon is not limited to the U.S. In Japan, the number of centenarians has quadrupled in the last 10 years. As medical technology advances, more of these senior citizens are living with a more positive outlook than ever before in history. Unfortunately, society itself is not embracing seniors or changing the stereotypes.
In many cultures, senior citizens are revered and honored. It would be unthinkable in India, China or Korea to put your elderly parents in a nursing home. On September 19, the Japanese get a public holiday known as “Respect for the Aged Day.” It’s a day devoted to the oldest citizens in the community. Native American elders are expected to pass down their wisdom and experience to the younger generation.
How Do You Treat Senior Citizens?
Stereotypes about senior citizens are plentiful. Here’s a few of the most common:
- Older people are afraid of technology.
- Seniors are forgetful and boring.
- They’re grumpy and cantankerous.
- They are a burden and unproductive.
- It’s better for them to live in an institution.
- Seniors don’t care about sex and intimacy.
- Older people are lonely and isolated.
The list could go on, and there are some seniors who are grumpy, lonely or even forgetful. That’s not to say every senior citizen is that way. And while technology is changing and it can be difficult for younger people to keep up with it, many seniors embrace the changes in how we reach out to others and want to learn. The Kindle has made reading more accessible for many seniors who need large print editions of books. Facetime and Skype make keeping up with grandkids who are far away much easier.
What’s your attitude toward the seniors in your community? Do you assume that they don’t want to learn new technologies? Do you think they aren’t worthy of the services available to them? Maybe you believe your mom or dad would be happier living in a home or with you instead of on their own? Have you ever passed on a job applicant because they were much older? Telling jokes about dementia or old age, or calling grandpa an old geezer disparages the very ones we love.
These are signs of ageism, a discrimination against those who are older. If your perception of older people is more universal than individual, you might be guilty of ageism. When this happens, senior citizens lose their sense of power and don’t get their needs met. It creates a disadvantage not only for the elderly, but for their families. And don’t forget, every young person may someday be one of those older people who want to be treated with respect and dignity.
Negative stereotypes about age contribute to isolation and poor health. The mistreatment of seniors is a growing problem in America, not only physical abuse but also financial and emotional abuse are big problems for the elderly. These problems affect everyone, from the individual to the caregivers to the community. Caregivers who spend time taking care of abused adults are not as productive in their own work. The community must allocate resources to help seniors in distress. Seniors who are not productive on their own must rely on government services.
It’s time to think about the attitudes we have toward elderly people. Don’t just take one day to honor the older members in your family. Find ways to be more positive and less stereotypical about age. Talk to the seniors in your life to find out what they really want to do as they age.