The graying of America

Aging has not only been a focus of my study, it has been a growing concern to me. My mother, for as long as I can remember has been a caregiver for the elderly. Her care has extended from mentally debilitating diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's, to physically debilitating disabilities. I was thrust into situations that were not always comfortable, but rewarding all the same. The only thing each elderly individual desired was to be loved and respected in the last few years of his or her life. Values that the family does not often share with the aging person.

Think about it. In American society, if older adults are not able to care for themselves, we store them away. Nursing homes are costing Americans thousands of dollars per resident. This is vastly different from many other countries, which often reverse the cycle of their parents caring for them as adolescents, by aiding their elderly parents into old age.

The value of older adults in our society is decreasing. This decrease, although seemingly rapid, has occurred over an extended period of time. Looking back at earlier societies, this age group was highly regarded because of their extensive knowledge and life experiences. This also includes transmitting the culture to the younger generation.

When did this culture transmitting value flip?

This concept went belly up when technology rendered this age group less valuable information sources. We are building stereotypes of the aging generation that are becoming destructive to our livelihood as a society. These stereotypes are categorized by a discrimination and prejudice known as ageism. Families, friends, employers, and even strangers carry this misperception alike. It is assumed that older adults lose all abilities that separate them from the more "agile" youth, when this is indeed not true.

Our society carries a heavy emphasis on youth. This is seen in the mass media, with a million and one ways to be stronger, faster, think quicker, have more youthful skin, etc.

As stated by Charles Zastrow, "Competition has always been at the cornerstone of our society, reinforced by Darwin's notions of evolution and survival of the fittest."

We need to change our mentality as a society of older adults and stop giving the stereotypes attached to the age group their air and attention they need to stay alive. Our heightened state of knowledge based on technology does not even compare to the bank of knowledge or accomplishments we are disregarding. Older age does not limit you, as proven here in the list of 25 People Who Did Great Things After 50.

Let the good times grow!