The aged hands of Norman Russell, aged 85, play the piano at the Wednesbury Sons of Rest Club on November 14, 2008 in Wednesbury, England. Wednesbury Sons of Rest opened in November 1938 for men over 50 as a meeting and recreation center and is used everyday by members. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Negative attitudes and expectations of aging can prevent older adults from believing in their ability to remain active and engaged in life; especially if they have some sort of disability.
We need a revolution in this country similar to the one brought about by the disability movement. 30 years ago attitudes toward people with disabilities created a climate offering no positive expectations and no opportunities to succeed. When attitudes changed people with profound disabilities were able to accomplish amazing things, demonstrating the tragic waste of human potential imposed by negative expectations.
In 30 more years we will look back on the way older adults are treated with the same shame and regret. Every one of us can make a difference with simple acts: refuse to purchase greeting cards or any other products that reinforce ageist stereotypes; tell a business when a marketing campaign or a product they carry is ageist and offensive; ask healthcare providers to explain why you (or a loved one) is not receiving the same medical intervention (at age 65) as a person would at age 30.
I hope The Epoch Times will consider doing an article on how ageism in America impacts the health choices, behaviors and outcomes for older adults. The frightening similarity between the historical treatment of people with disabilities and current treatment of older adults would shock many readers and illuminate the scope of the problem.
Kay Van Norman
Bozeman, Montana
The article “Expert Says Ireland Needs New View of Aging” may be read at: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16176/