Open Thread Follow Up: Really?
Last Sunday we opened the threads up to collect stories about the misgivings, misconceptions and just plain ageist ideas others have about older people…and you had some gems.
Some were funny (especially what happens when we stop dying our hair), others were less so. Some commented about how younger people are surprised that we exercise, enjoy sports (even into our 90’s!) or appreciate fashion (but don’t appreciate being ignored by retail salespeople), and yes even continue to enjoy sex. And, of course, there was a comment about age discrimination while job-hunting.
We’ll leave the comments open so more people can share their experiences. What do other people seem to get wrong about growing older? Is it that we’re all rich? Or feeble? Or tech-phobic? What was your encounter with ageism, intentional or not? Tell us your story in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
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Comments
Very nicely done. Your show schedule gave me the info on some shows I was wondering.
Went to TOPS supermarket to purchase non-alcohol “beer”. Despite reminding the cashier that it was n/a, we were seniors and ID was not required, we were prevented from purchasing it until my husband’s licence was scanned. There was no signage re: N/A purchase requirements and the scan was done without his permission. Tops Corp. denied wrong doing and failed to even offer an apology for our time consuming, mortifying experience. How can seniors affect necessary changes to arbitrary, unpublished corp. nonsense, designed my knuckle heads and garner some well deserved respect from businesses?
At 76 I will be an actress in a movie about a woman who reaches for new beginnings after widowhood. I am co-writing this with a 26 year old filmmaker who met me while I was jumping with 4 lb rope. I am inter first film.
I do not lecture to young people.
I write a blog called savyatseventy. Just google the word and my blog is on top. I don not go places with other women. If I want to hear music in a restaurant I go by myself and invariably get invited to join a bunch of guys who are relaxing.
The blog is mostly about life in Israel. Jerusalem is my city for the last 12 years. Wonderful place to retire to. I am very fortunate, thank G-d. You are welcome to contact me on your next visit to Jerusalem.
Today I just greeted a group from Holland who are the first visitors to the hotel on meh corner since Corona.
Every time I am on a bus I am offered a seat, which I generally refuse. Israelis love to speak with Anglos. I have cultivated friendships with women in their 20’s,30’s etc.
Men not so much because I like my single life after 53 years of marriage.
The young ones have trouble keeping up with me. It’s not a wonder if one keeps doing what they enjoy.
Ida
I tried to find your blog with no results. Is there any other way to find you for those of us who are interested?
Bobbii
I am 70 years old and a member of Senior Planet. I had to make a sign to get on the bus in the front door because the back step is too high. Some of the bus drivers still don’t want to let me on the bus, telling me I don’t look like a senior.
What is a senior suppose to look like???
Last summer, I competed in a gymnastics meet. The young, local reporter was astonished as we conducted our interview. He was nearly giddy at the thought of my mom, 90 years old, also participated in the meet. His article was lighthearted and amusing, but respectful. But I let him know that lots of retirement age people are in the local Planet Fitness everyday, working out because we enjoy the activity and its benefits. Several of those people approached me in the gym and thanked me for speaking up for a whole segment of our society that is so often overlooked and dismissed. Being in my 60’s (and mom in her 90’s) is no reason to give up on any activity…sports, gardening, sex, etc. We can do it all if we embrace the possibilities.