I am moving out of my comfort zone to engage dialogue on ageism and it is amazing! I was advised to join Face Book and Twitter to “launch the conversation” but felt akward about trespassing into a “space” created initially by and for the generations following. The experience has been enlightening for me to realize that all conversation takes place between individuals wherever they find themselves. I am happy to be “found” and thank you for “friending” me.
Let me say that I think this site is a wonderful opportunity for us “elders” to voice our comments, opinions and learnings. Thank you, Joyce, for having launched it! As I have grown older, I realize that all the living I/we have done has been a huge learning experience. As a child, a student, a woman, a mother, a nurse, a friend, and a Catholic, I have learned a lot over my lifetime. Some good, some bad, some deliriously joyful, some hateful. At this point, the only frustration I feel is that there is no definite way to pass on all that I have gained.The younger generation doesn’t feel it important to listen, doesn’t care, whatever. Maybe it is ordained that each person must live and learn alone, separate from all that have gone before. Yet why, then, do some read and cherish the writings of others? I don’t have the answers. Maybe this site will help.
Helen, thank you for beginning the dialogue! It sounds like your life reflects a spectrum of events which add up to a huge “learning experience”. To paraphrase what you said into the words of Clint Eastwood, the sum total adds up to: “the good, the bad and the ugly”. As a parent I feel the same frustration of knowing that the ones I love will have some of the “bad” and “ugly” experiences and I am helpless to intervene because I cannot pass on all that I have learned. Beyond that, it seems that our society, in general, discounts some of the wisdom of the ages or “aged”. I often wonder how much I discounted (in my own growing experience) of elders warning me of the dangers ahead. My question: can humans learn vicariously?
Joyce, My involvement in senior issues began as a young television producer. I have been inspired by the seniors I’ve met over the years. Now that I am a senior myself, it feels good to know that there are others who are willing to step out and be heard. Seniors have so much to share. I hope that this blog will attract younger people so they csn benefit from the wisdom! there is a plaque on my desk that represents my philosophy. I reads: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts!”
Hi Carole: It is so good to hear from you and have you share your wisdom on your own experience of aging. It is interesting that the more we think we know, the less we actually do. I think it is only though life’s experiences that we are humbled enough to understand the knowledge and understanding that we lack. I hope you contribute regularly, you have a lot to offer.
I would love to share your insights!