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.
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.
Jul 16, 2022·edited Jul 16, 2022Liked by Don Akchin
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.
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.
Keep up the good, valuable work, young man!
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."