Ageism, Internalized?
Whether we like it or not, society evolves at a rapid pace. Along with the blessings of advanced age, one finds oneself–upon reaching 80 or more–in the position of a refugee of sorts, having spent the formative years of youth in a different land (and this remains true even if you still live in the village of your birth). Think of our elders of color, for instance, who grew up in a deeply segregated society. Or our Jewish elders, whose parents weren’t welcome at the local country club. Or our LGBTQ elders, who were teens in an era during which opening up would expose them to a multitude of indignities and risks. What a contrast, for members of such groups, between the “public opinion” while they were growing up, and the progress accomplished nowadays. ... Read More