I read recently (possibly on this Substack??) that we are here for the purpose of being producers of meaning, as opposed to being mere consumers. That really speaks to me and goes along with your assertion that attitudes towards aging are part of a larger throw-away culture.
It’s particularly unnerving when folks do not explain themselves and assume that everyone knows what they are talking about. I’m too old to feel stupid or foolish because I do not understand why Biden’s age—the number—is sufficient to say why he is incapable of being president. How has his age affected his ability to run the national bureaucracy. No one explains this connection except to point to his physical limitations as an indicator of his mental acuity. While it may be reasonable not to elect a man with evident physical disabilities to the office of president, I do not understand why, once he is installed, that every thing he does that people do not like ought to be linked to his age as a causative factor. Even though he has the keys to the nuclear bomb. It does not mean that he can turn them on at will with no one to stop him. Since the founding fathers did not make special rules-except two-for who should be eligible to be president, someone like Trump can become president. Why would liberals and democrats take such a severe position against one of their own? Well, it starts with something like jealousy, I fear. But also weakmindedness: that is, allowing the opposition to fool them into accepting the opposition’s propaganda. But it is also the culture’s overwhelming acceptance of a form of juvenile bigotry. So sad. Kings and non -democratic folks ruled into old age or until they died. Rupert Murdock is happily running his organization at 90 plus. And, on the flip side, the stupidity emerging from our congress emanates from relatively young representatives. Why is it that youth is not ascribed as the reason the relatively youngish leaders of Canada and France are viewed as failures?
We retired and moved to the beach in the Yucatan, Mexico. The Mexican family unit relishes the old people. There are very few options for pensions or retirement income so the family takes care of their parents and they do a great job of it. The grandchildren look forward to spending time with the grandparents. The Mexican family unit has shown me the value and respect placed on the older people. It is much different in the states.
{Feel free to quote} grandfather’s hypothesis” which is to suggest the survival advantage of human males who live beyond child rearing age is a function of how well they remain capable of adhering to grandmother’s various directives. Another great read, Don, thanks!!
Your points are well-taken - the issue does go beyond ageism and is pervasive. Myths and misinformation abound and are repeated in so many ways. I am 83 years old: still going strong - no prescription meds, working on my newsletter, and aging as well as I can.
Good thoughts to consider... and very challenging. I’ve noticed the tendency in my family to ignore grandparents except for family gatherings. “Too busy” to visit and socialize. We know it’s wrong and selfish, yet it continues. You are right, there is something philosophically and even morally wrong, personally and societally.
I read recently (possibly on this Substack??) that we are here for the purpose of being producers of meaning, as opposed to being mere consumers. That really speaks to me and goes along with your assertion that attitudes towards aging are part of a larger throw-away culture.
I like that a lot!
It’s particularly unnerving when folks do not explain themselves and assume that everyone knows what they are talking about. I’m too old to feel stupid or foolish because I do not understand why Biden’s age—the number—is sufficient to say why he is incapable of being president. How has his age affected his ability to run the national bureaucracy. No one explains this connection except to point to his physical limitations as an indicator of his mental acuity. While it may be reasonable not to elect a man with evident physical disabilities to the office of president, I do not understand why, once he is installed, that every thing he does that people do not like ought to be linked to his age as a causative factor. Even though he has the keys to the nuclear bomb. It does not mean that he can turn them on at will with no one to stop him. Since the founding fathers did not make special rules-except two-for who should be eligible to be president, someone like Trump can become president. Why would liberals and democrats take such a severe position against one of their own? Well, it starts with something like jealousy, I fear. But also weakmindedness: that is, allowing the opposition to fool them into accepting the opposition’s propaganda. But it is also the culture’s overwhelming acceptance of a form of juvenile bigotry. So sad. Kings and non -democratic folks ruled into old age or until they died. Rupert Murdock is happily running his organization at 90 plus. And, on the flip side, the stupidity emerging from our congress emanates from relatively young representatives. Why is it that youth is not ascribed as the reason the relatively youngish leaders of Canada and France are viewed as failures?
Well said, sir. I particularly love the phrase "juvenile bigotry."
We retired and moved to the beach in the Yucatan, Mexico. The Mexican family unit relishes the old people. There are very few options for pensions or retirement income so the family takes care of their parents and they do a great job of it. The grandchildren look forward to spending time with the grandparents. The Mexican family unit has shown me the value and respect placed on the older people. It is much different in the states.
{Feel free to quote} grandfather’s hypothesis” which is to suggest the survival advantage of human males who live beyond child rearing age is a function of how well they remain capable of adhering to grandmother’s various directives. Another great read, Don, thanks!!
You will hear no argument from me. I know what's good for me.
Your points are well-taken - the issue does go beyond ageism and is pervasive. Myths and misinformation abound and are repeated in so many ways. I am 83 years old: still going strong - no prescription meds, working on my newsletter, and aging as well as I can.
Good for you! A role model for all of us!
Good thoughts to consider... and very challenging. I’ve noticed the tendency in my family to ignore grandparents except for family gatherings. “Too busy” to visit and socialize. We know it’s wrong and selfish, yet it continues. You are right, there is something philosophically and even morally wrong, personally and societally.
Keep up the good, valuable work, young man!
Thank you for your encouragement!
Quite different indeed. Thank you for sharing how a different culture looks at life from a totally different perspective.
I loved the expression you used: "chronically gifted."