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Where Is the Real Respect for Our Elderly?

By admin on May 14, 2010 in Main, Social

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Where is the real respect for our elderly? Do we often have condescending attitudes toward them or do we take the time to treat them as we ourselves would like to be treated?

This issue is a hot button in American society. That’s because the elderly and seniors complain that younger people often do not give them the consideration they deserve.

The definition of an older person is just that. He, or she, is a person who is older. That’s all. An 85-year old is a personality with the need to be loved and respected by everyone. Those are the same needs he had as a 28- year old or 40-year old.

Elderly people and their family members often complain that others treat the older person as if he or she is a child. Older people are often talked down to, in babyish talk. Some in the medical profession are especially guilty of this.

Recently, a fan group online was upset by the manner in which one of their favorite senior actors was treated at a fan gathering. He was cornered by some young men posing as reporters. They proceeded to “interview” him and questions have arisen if he was being singled out because of his age. ( He is in his eighties)

He handled the silly situation with a lot of class which proves there are many seniors out there who can take on younger mischief makers quite well, thank you very much. A word of warning: what often goes around comes around. This gentleman in particular has a lot of friends as well a huge fan base.

Here is an excellent article written by Darlene Doku who points out how the elderly are treated in many African countries where they are shown the upmost repsect. Maybe some of us in America could learn something new.

Read Most Have Respect for Old by Darlene Doku