These two words describe the way some people treat us seniors. Usually these people are not that much younger than we are – in their 40’s and 50’s.
Surprisingly, the young are the ones who are so courteous and kind. They open doors, help across the street, ask to do errands, etc.
I am tired of people treating me as if I have no brain because I am older and walk with a cane. My body has become difficult due to illness and age, but I can still think and adjust. It might take a little longer, but it will happen.
The other day, a woman, who is probably in her 50’s and works at the senior center where I attend, proceeded to tell us about our new facility. She told us not to be “scared” (her word) about the new place, that it will be a big change, but we would love it once we got used to the idea. I have to tell her that everyone I have spoken with cannot wait to get there, but it would be wasted, because she would not hear me. My fellow seniors are older by 10 or more years than I am, but they are not afraid of moving to a new building. Some had concerns about getting there since they arrive in a bus. But those “fears” had been addressed and resolved.
The point I am trying to make is that just because we are older than she is does not mean we are senile and cannot accept change. True, we do not like radical change in our lives, but at our age we have become accustomed to changes in everything we encounter.
We are not children with children’s fears and do not deserve to be treated as such. We are adults who have lived for a long time. We do not need to be patronized. We deserve respect because we have experienced most of what younger people have in their future. We can offer help to them, if they want it and respect the fact that we can help.
The second word in the title really sums up what is going on. “Rudeness” explains it all. If someone cannot be respectful of seniors, they have no business working with them. Being rude is a handicap – not being older.
Surprisingly, the young are the ones who are so courteous and kind. They open doors, help across the street, ask to do errands, etc.
I am tired of people treating me as if I have no brain because I am older and walk with a cane. My body has become difficult due to illness and age, but I can still think and adjust. It might take a little longer, but it will happen.
The other day, a woman, who is probably in her 50’s and works at the senior center where I attend, proceeded to tell us about our new facility. She told us not to be “scared” (her word) about the new place, that it will be a big change, but we would love it once we got used to the idea. I have to tell her that everyone I have spoken with cannot wait to get there, but it would be wasted, because she would not hear me. My fellow seniors are older by 10 or more years than I am, but they are not afraid of moving to a new building. Some had concerns about getting there since they arrive in a bus. But those “fears” had been addressed and resolved.
The point I am trying to make is that just because we are older than she is does not mean we are senile and cannot accept change. True, we do not like radical change in our lives, but at our age we have become accustomed to changes in everything we encounter.
We are not children with children’s fears and do not deserve to be treated as such. We are adults who have lived for a long time. We do not need to be patronized. We deserve respect because we have experienced most of what younger people have in their future. We can offer help to them, if they want it and respect the fact that we can help.
The second word in the title really sums up what is going on. “Rudeness” explains it all. If someone cannot be respectful of seniors, they have no business working with them. Being rude is a handicap – not being older.
RSS Feed
