Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property wpdb::$categories is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 760

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property wpdb::$post2cat is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 760

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property wpdb::$link2cat is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/wp-db.php on line 760

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/comment-template.php on line 1745

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$is_overloaded is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 26

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_pos is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 29

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_f is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 160

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$is_overloaded is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 26

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_pos is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 29

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_f is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 160

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Block_Type::$skip_inner_blocks is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-block-type.php on line 357

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$is_overloaded is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 26

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_pos is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 29

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property POMO_FileReader::$_f is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/pomo/streams.php on line 160

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Cookie_Jar::offsetExists($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetExists(mixed $offset): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Cookie/Jar.php on line 63

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Cookie_Jar::offsetGet($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Cookie/Jar.php on line 73

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Cookie_Jar::offsetSet($key, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Cookie/Jar.php on line 89

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Cookie_Jar::offsetUnset($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Cookie/Jar.php on line 102

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Cookie_Jar::getIterator() should either be compatible with IteratorAggregate::getIterator(): Traversable, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Cookie/Jar.php on line 111

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Utility_CaseInsensitiveDictionary::offsetExists($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetExists(mixed $offset): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Utility/CaseInsensitiveDictionary.php on line 40

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Utility_CaseInsensitiveDictionary::offsetGet($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Utility/CaseInsensitiveDictionary.php on line 51

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Utility_CaseInsensitiveDictionary::offsetSet($key, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Utility/CaseInsensitiveDictionary.php on line 68

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Utility_CaseInsensitiveDictionary::offsetUnset($key) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Utility/CaseInsensitiveDictionary.php on line 82

Deprecated: Return type of Requests_Utility_CaseInsensitiveDictionary::getIterator() should either be compatible with IteratorAggregate::getIterator(): Traversable, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/Requests/Utility/CaseInsensitiveDictionary.php on line 91

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$object_id is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-term.php on line 198

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$object_id is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-term.php on line 198

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$object_id is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-term.php on line 198

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$object_id is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-term.php on line 198

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$object_id is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/class-wp-term.php on line 198

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383
When We Were Kings: Are We Making the Elderly Feel Expendable? |
Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

When We Were Kings: Are We Making the Elderly Feel Expendable?

They were kings when we were in diapers.

They have seen more than we can ever imagine.

Many of the them fought to keep America safe during World War II.

They paved the road so we could live fruitful lives.

They are 12% of the US population. They are the elderly. Yesterday’s heroes.

However, over the years I’ve seen a rise in poor self-image and self-esteem among seniors. This made me wonder… are we, indirectly,  making them feel expendable?

The answer may be yes, and a lot may have to do with our current perceptions toward the elderly.

Of course, there are also many other contributing factors such as the rise of medical costs, Medicare and Medicaid cuts, and a poor economy. But for this article, I will focus on youth’s attitudes towards seniors.

Many of them are a result of media stereotypes, especially in movies, that were influenced by the booming industrial economy after World War II.

The new youth culture, influenced by Hollywood rebels like James Dean and Marlon Brando, favored independence and smaller family units. The older person was no longer seen as useful, but rather a burden for the family.

In addition, the elderly were seen as unwilling to embrace new ideas, slow, undeserving of work, and societal expendables.

The aging were gradually treated as second class citizens. Today not only are they seen as unable to work, the perception is that they should also be devoid of human rights such as falling in love, or the unthinkable, being sexually active. To many, the elderly are physically unappealing and undeserving of these behaviors. For them breaking this social norm results in labeling such as, “old pervert” or “dirty old man.”

In other words, they have lost the right to work, fall in love or have sex with a loved one.

But the worst part of all this, is that many older people do believe that they are expendable. It is not uncommon to find an older person describe himself as an “old fart” or “old geezer.”

I believe that these perceptions are one of the reasons why depression in the elderly is disproportionally high.

In fact, the rate of suicide in people age 65 and older is higher than that of the general population. According to the CDCseniors accounted for 16 percent of suicide deaths in 2004.

 So are they really useless?

Of course not, they are knowledgeable about worldly events. They have been around far longer than many of us and still have a lot to teach us.

They can also gives us a few tips on what it is like to become old, and help us cope with our fear of aging. After all, we are next.

The elderly also participate in community events, vote and many try to carry out life just like us younger folks, with the same basic needs and desires.

So what can we do?

Simple, there is one way to achieve this goal that far surpasses, in my opinion, any medical breakthrough known to man.

And it’s not just love…

It’s appreciation, family closeness and feeling valued.

I will give you an example. The other day I saw a show on National Geographic about an Amazonian tribe. The expeditioners investigated the members and met with a few of the elderly, which were well into their 80’s.

They were still wearing their warrior apparel and they greeted them very respectfully. What caught my eye is that they seemed to be in excellent health.

That is right. No doctors. No medical assistance. Living in the jungle and living to be 80!

What is more, you have heard of people living beyond 100.

So what is their secret? Positive elderly perception by younger generations.

In these cultures, the elderly are appreciated for their accomplishments and seen as a wealth of knowledge.  In tribal communities, such as in China, they are often among the highest ranking members.

As such, they feel useful and maintain a sense of value. They also have a higher self-esteem and believe that being older is actually not such a bad thing.

In fact, it is widely known that people who live past 100 also engage in higher levels of activity, and often work longer than the average retirement age.

 As a result, these elderly live longer, healthier and happier.

Making a difference 

Even though us younger folks lead very busy lives, there are a few simple things we can do to restore a sense of value and self-worth to the elderly.

First, join the fight against senior stereotyping, labeling and abuse.  Lets help younger folks avoid calling the elderly  “Geezer” and “Old Hag”.

Second, take more time to acknowledge their accomplishments or listen to one more story from yesteryear. This alone can  make a big difference in their lives.

Seek their help and advice a little more.

They need to be reminded that they are still very valuable members of our community, and can teach us a lot about life.

Remember, the elderly are yesterday’s heroes and todays people of wisdom.

Oh, and I almost forgot…

August 21st is National Senior Citizens Day.

For those who don’t know, this day is designated to honor our country’s elderly.

Let’s take the time to honor our seniors on this day and every day.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. [Retrieved February 13, 2012]. Available from URL: http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html

Kite, M.E. Stockdale, G.D.,  Whitley, B.D.,  Johnson, B.T. Attitudes Toward Younger and Older Adults: An Updated Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of Social Issues,Vol. 61, 2005, No. 2, 241-266

National Institute of Mental Health (nd). Older Adults: Depression and Suicide facts. [Retrieved February 13, 2012]. Available from URL: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/older-adults-depression-and-suicide-facts-fact-sheet/index.shtml#cdc

Alejandro Adrian LeMon, Ph.D., LMHC

Author: Alejandro Adrian LeMon, Ph.D., LMHC

A little about me... I'm a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida and the founder of Psychology One. I am also a former college instructor of sociology and I have worked at several not-for-profit agencies & EAP organizations. I currently live with my fiancee and our three cats.

Share This Post On

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

    Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383
  • Google

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Query::$comments_by_type is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/comment-template.php on line 1525

3 Comments

  1. hi!,I like your writing so a lot! proportion we be in contact more about your post on AOL? I need an expert in this space to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look forward to peer you.

    Post a Reply
  2. I agree the family helps so much, I could see it in my mothers eyes when she had no clue where she was, she still knew me! For the generations that are getting old now we do have a responsibly for taking care of them!

    Post a Reply
  3. Alejandro Adrian LeMon, PhD

    Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad to hear that your mother was able to recognize you!

    As another poster pointed out (in our facebook forum), if it wasn’t because of the generations before us, we wouldn’t have a lot of the freedoms we have today. I agree with you, the elderly truly deserve our respect, care and compassion.

    Post a Reply

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_ID is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 378

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_count is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 379

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_description is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 380

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$cat_name is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 381

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_nicename is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 382

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property WP_Term::$category_parent is deprecated in /home1/alexpsy/public_html/blogs/wp-includes/category.php on line 383

Leave a Reply to Elderly Care Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.