It is really sad to see that elderly people have to live their last years of life in isolation and poverty. It is not the way it happens in many societies. It is also heartbreaking to see that people are thinking about elderly people in economic terms. They are thinking more about health care cost but not the way they feel. No nursing home or elderly homes can give the love and respect the way own family can. They must not be thought as a burden. They are the ones who gave a life to us and gave us all we wanted and now if they need our love, affection and care they must not be thought as burden. I think this is happening because elderly people accept this form of life and younger generation feels they their elders will get better care in nursing home as there they could get all the care and facilities which would not be possible for them at home. I just feel this is how the society is formed.
People In old age do not get the job because of being over qualified. That is too much. The stigmas attached to aged people that they could be slow, incompetent, and less active than an enthusiastic young person who have not experienced practical life, does not really make sense. Experience counts and can help in practical terms. Most people In their old ages are healthy and active and does not even look old so what’s the deal they should get a job. This kind of discrimination is just too bad. They are forced to live a life of poverty and isolation by giving them a sorry figure from job Then they are left with no other choice other than just to sit and wait for their death.
Ageism just like some other isms is so seldom talked about because we don’t see it and who is going to raise this issue. Privileged people don’t seem to notice and old people are disappointed with the way their life is treating them. I was raised in eastern culture where elders are highly respected and stay with their family for their lifetime. They don’t have a life span of 90 to 100 years though. I don’t see myself an ageist as I see elderly people as blessing and one kind look of them matters more than the care they might need.
Your post is very thoughtful. It's so sad to see how in society people view elders as a burden, when in fact they are the same people they were years ago. People need to get out of the stereotype that old people are slow or incompetent, and realize who they really are and respect them.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this country views our elders very negatively. It is also true that many families do place their elders in nursing homes for many different reasons... This is the only reason that I fear aging. I don't want my family to feel my burden that I might leave on them.
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