Today’s Straits Time committed a sizeable section of Saturday to Ageism(the fear of the old, or rather negativity associated with the old).
Unlike those who stare or giggle at the lady who stood at topshop, I might have looked on more of wondering why the hell is a real humans standing there modelling for? I actually think her dressing was not bad, for it was not trying to act hip. Who says only the young can buy from certain shops. Hrpmh.
First thing to combat this growing dislike of the old is to tame the media. Is our media painting the old in a bad light. Well perhaps not intentionally. A few places I personally feel can be noted. One stop running specialised competition for it only serves to segregate the generations further. Two stop portraying the old as weak and helpless in drama serial, it can have a subconcious feed to the mind telling us that the old is useless. Our media should stop throwing spotlights over the ageing population for I feel it only serves to make us fear the old more.
Next things is the age perspective. How old is old? To me old means you are 70+. Though I always joked that I am old but what I truly meant was more of like OMG that had been sometime back already and a year being 5% of my life it does seemed like a long time does’t it? Being old does not mean you have white hair(I already have white hair so am I old). Being old means it is time for you to enjoy yourselves, your retirement and not worry about anything. Just have fun!
Not focusing on youth culture will not help I feel. For surely we will want to celebrate our own brand of ‘culture’. Well perhaps not broadcast it so much is the key. Moderation not abstinence is the key.
Lastly and most importantly is for the elderly to never never use the excuse that you are old for it only serves to reinforce certain negative connotaions as well as stereotypes. DON’T! As such old will take on a less negative overtone.
Perhaps one day the Asian values of the old being treasure troves of experiences and knowledge will hit us in our faces!
-wonght
Never ever say die!
Check out this site!
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/
