JulyEdition

Do You Feel “Sidelined” by Age?
By: Pat Landaker / Positive Aging
Do you feel overlooked, misunderstood, left out of
the discussion? Do you feel the needs and wants
of Seniors are sidelined for the good of everyone
else?
Age has been weaponized and it’s being used against Seniors to make us
believe the “noise.” We’ve stood on the sideline and accepted the “noise”
hook, line and sinker.
Think of a commercial that shows seniors in a capable and positive way.
Even when a commercial is highlighting something said to be good for
us, it also reminds us of what’s not so good about aging.
We’ve been oblivious, misinformed, uninformed, while adapting and
adjusting to it all. And all the perceptions and assumptions (ageism) lead
to feelings of disenfranchisement and feeling “sidelined.”
And it’s all justified by the fact that we don’t push back! Here’s a few
examples of ageism we encounter and accept daily. Some are subliminal.
Some are blatant.
Perceptions: We’re too weak, too feeble-minded, and too nontechnical.
Assumptions: We can’t hear, see, or drive.
Verbal/Mental Abuse: It’s okay to demean and disrespect us as a
joke.
Interpretations: As we age, we lose our value and capabilities.
Communication: We’re talked to like children; we need someone to
speak for us.
Disrespect: We’re not heard and our questions/concerns are often
dismissed.
Burdens to society: We offer nothing to society. We live off the
government. We need help to survive/live.
What can you do? Be empowered! Don’t allow your age to be used
against you. Don’t allow yourself, your family, or your friends to perpetuate
the negativity.
Aging is often addressed with humor, but it’s not a joke. Know the
difference. Know when to say, “That’s enough!” You can’t lean into the
perceptions nor buy into the assumptions.
You must speak up against ageism and push back against the negative
images and messages used in print and social media. Positive Aging
means embracing and taking the reins of aging—and that means
fighting ageism at every opportunity.
Pat Landaker is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and owner of
Living La Vida Senior. Contact her at positiveaging54@gmail.
com.
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