AGEISM-ARE YOU GUILTY!

Aging happens on a daily basis. We all get one day older. Somewhere along the line, being older makes a difference. Yes even fit Seniors can be slowing down. Not a problem. If it takes longer to be done then it gets done. However, not a problem.But there are seniors that run marathons.
Creativity does not end at any age. Older people can be creative or recycle old ideas and make them new again.
Being judged for being older is insidious. In my last years at my workplace, more than one younger person would ask me out of the blue- when are you retiring! My retort was usually do I look old today.
People of all ages are useful. I see it in my grandchildren. When they see Nana and Granpa, they see loved ones. They want to share. They want to talk to us. If little children do not judge why do others.
Being older can make one become invisible, a ghost. As an older woman, I can be well dressed and attractive but do not get seen. Just an old woman!
Do you listen? Well you should. There is so much wisdom and life experience with older people. No the ones that always say- in my day! Today is my day not some years ago. I have knowledge and experience that counts for today. So do your grandparents, your parents, your relatives, your older work colleagues.
I tired of meetings and rounds where my years of clinical experience was not valued. So now writing about it brings a different dimension.
So what to do about ageism. For us Seniors, just do not tolerate it. Speak your mind! Complain if necessary. But remember to give back and listen and be respectful. Lead by example!

                                                AGEISM-ARE YOU GUILTY? 
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ARE YOU AN ANTIQUE?

Life is full of everything. People of all ages. Older folks still feel young inside even if their bodies have slowed down. Age can be irrelevant! Some 80 somethings can be more energetic than 50 somethings. In the workplace, the staff has aged. Many older employees have retired. Now being one of the older ones, the ageism comments creep in often. Trying to be a supportive colleague, it is very difficult to discuss simple events. Being compared to others' mothers and often grandmothers has become quite boring over the years that just not sharing what I do has become the norm. How was your weekend? My response- busy like everyone else! I also do not get into pissing contests with female colleagues. Who has done more? Whose lives are more interesting? Just would like some of my colleagues that have since left to visit so I could have a friendly, non-challenging conversation.  I read, I write, I challenge myself. I love the antics of my grandchildren. They make me smile and feel all fuzzy inside. If I share a story then the contest starts to compare whatever else is going on! I am a good listener so if someone has a story I just listen. I would love the same respect back! I do modern things- have a cell phone and take some pictures on it but like the antique I love my camera and uploading good photos. I even print pictures too. Like digital, photo books and even share those print pictures with others. Just sending an email with an attachment is nice but I like to think my recipients enjoy seeing a print picture in their hands sometimes. Antique! But I love being one. Those that visit my home see that I have collected antiques over the years. My kitchen has an 1850 Butternut buffet that is durable and attractive, for example. So are you an antique? Like I, do you enjoy being one?