What a smart, succinct description of ageism's causes and manifestations. Yes, let's turn off the trash talk in our own heads and call it out when you hear it from others. This week a 70-ish neighbor told me her usual advice to young people is, "Don't get old!" (Yikes, I wondered, did she recommend dying young?)
And what always makes me laugh, Don, is that we wish people a "Happy birthday, and many more!" then gripe about getting older. How we feel and function is a very different issue than how many years we've achieved.
Well said, as always! One aspect I learned about this that took me by surprise since I thought I was so non-ageist: Don't always assume that you know what's best for your elderly parents or other loved ones. Yes, it may be safer to have them live in a nursing home, but when they tell you they're willing to take the risk to live more independently, sometimes you need to listen and, even against your better judgment, figure out a way to make it happen. Even it it's not something so monumental as where to love, there are many other instance when you have to stop yourself to make sure you are truly listening.
Bravo, Don. I just spent a week touring Georgia, talking about history, mostly to audiences young enough to be my grandchildren. We bonded. We always do. Marketing morons are who peddles this crap, not kids. Being around kids helps keep my curmudgeon tendencies at bay. As you imply, kids are thinking human beings. And they love to hear from old, wise people who aren't their parents.
I agree with the commenters below. This piece is so powerful and to the point. I love the idea of Trash Talk and the directive to stop listening to it. It's valuable, albeit dispiriting, to be aware of all the money corporations make off making older people feel inadequate. Women have been listening to this kind of talk all their lives and it's the last thing they need to be bombarded with now.
Another fabulous article, Don! And love the description of labeling this as "trash talk." Sharing across Changing the Narrative's (and my) social media tomorrow!
Joe Biden showed the whippersnappers a thing or two at the SOTU, rope-a-doping the young dopes in the GOP. Dark Brandon - nice, old man!
What a smart, succinct description of ageism's causes and manifestations. Yes, let's turn off the trash talk in our own heads and call it out when you hear it from others. This week a 70-ish neighbor told me her usual advice to young people is, "Don't get old!" (Yikes, I wondered, did she recommend dying young?)
Thank you, Wendl! I also have to question that advice.
And what always makes me laugh, Don, is that we wish people a "Happy birthday, and many more!" then gripe about getting older. How we feel and function is a very different issue than how many years we've achieved.
Well said, as always! One aspect I learned about this that took me by surprise since I thought I was so non-ageist: Don't always assume that you know what's best for your elderly parents or other loved ones. Yes, it may be safer to have them live in a nursing home, but when they tell you they're willing to take the risk to live more independently, sometimes you need to listen and, even against your better judgment, figure out a way to make it happen. Even it it's not something so monumental as where to love, there are many other instance when you have to stop yourself to make sure you are truly listening.
You are living proof of your point. TEG is getting better and better as time goes on . . . .
Bravo, Don. I just spent a week touring Georgia, talking about history, mostly to audiences young enough to be my grandchildren. We bonded. We always do. Marketing morons are who peddles this crap, not kids. Being around kids helps keep my curmudgeon tendencies at bay. As you imply, kids are thinking human beings. And they love to hear from old, wise people who aren't their parents.
Thanks for that beautiful testimonial, O Wise One! It's great that you can connect with people of all ages.
Ooh, I'm going to register "O, Wise One" as my trademark! I think everyone can connect across generations, and benefits from doing so!
I agree with the commenters below. This piece is so powerful and to the point. I love the idea of Trash Talk and the directive to stop listening to it. It's valuable, albeit dispiriting, to be aware of all the money corporations make off making older people feel inadequate. Women have been listening to this kind of talk all their lives and it's the last thing they need to be bombarded with now.
Amen, Susie. Thank you.
Another fabulous article, Don! And love the description of labeling this as "trash talk." Sharing across Changing the Narrative's (and my) social media tomorrow!
Thanks so much,, Janine!
This has to be my favorite column of yours! Excellent!
Thank you so much, Elizabeth!