We’ve learned something from our new series on aging on the Sunshine Coast, and it’s not particularly pleasant. It’s an interesting phenomenon that in this wonderful, tolerant country of ours, ageism has become the only acceptable form of discrimination. It’s the only group to escape the dreaded politically correct mavens. Even the elderly poke fun at the elderly in Canada.
If we forget where we’ve laid something, we’re having a senior’s moment — never mind how old we are. And if we’re actually in the dreaded “S” age bracket, then we do a mental cross of the fingers behind our back and say a little prayer to the patron saint of old folks that we’re not actually in the clutches of some form of dementia — while fervently hoping our little lapse went unnoticed by our families and friends.
If per chance we actually are experiencing a breakdown of grey cells, then we do our level best to hide that information from health care professionals who may be able to help us. We don’t want to become the butt of the lousy jokes that have taken the place of Newfie jokes in our society.
At one time it was a badge of honour to be a senior. With grey hair came respect from the masses and an opportunity to shape public opinion with the wisdom the years had imparted. Because Canadians weren’t so far removed from our mostly immigrant societies, our families looked upon seniors’ contributions as valuable. Our First Nations neighbours gave their elders their due. They were regarded as resources, not drains on resources.
Over the years a subtle change has happened. It’s become acceptable to treat anyone over a certain age as slightly addled. The rest of society chose to forget the contributions of these people. And because we slighted them it became easy for the less scrupulous among us to take advantage of older people.
Loneliness and isolation play a big role in the abuse of seniors. If an older person living on their own has no friends or meaningful relationships, it doesn’t take long for a freeloader to worm his or her way into the life of the solitary person. Many times family has moved to another area and isn’t even aware this is happening.
And even more insidious, sometimes it’s a family member who is taking advantage of an older relative. Age-related physical and mental impairments can make it easy for an oldster to end up at the mercy of a monster.
But there are ways all of us can help to make sure this doesn’t happen, beginning with the easiest step of all — friendship. Look out for your neighbour. Watch for unexplained changes in their routine. Old age isn’t “catching,” it’s just a fact of life. And most us, with a little luck, will end up there someday.
So we think it’s time to cut the crassness, up the kindness and prepare to reap the karma sure to come our way when we recognize ageism for what it is — discrimination.
