Are
you offended when you hear jokes about how older folks are forgetful, unwilling
to change, out of date, and slow? Or do you feel, “Relax, it’s just a joke?
How do
you feel when someone says you look younger than your age? Is it a compliment -
or do you feel it shows a disdain towards old age?
Or how
do you feel about Oregon judges having to resign after they turn 75?
And how
would you feel if your doctor explained your medical condition is just old age?
Many
advocates for older adults believe these situations are all too common examples
of ageism, a term coined in 1969 by Robert Butler, noted gerontologist who I
have mentioned before, to describe a form of discrimination and prejudice,
particularly experienced by older adults.
But most
of us older adults are mentally and physically active regardless of age (78.2%
of households that include someone in their 80’s still own their own homes!); and
with a great deal to contribute. But societal norms that see us and old age as inferior,
a stage of decline can create obstacles and barriers robbing us of financial
income, independence, and dignity - negatively impacting the quality of our
lives.
Worse than
societal ageism is when we internalize the ageist stereotypes and start losing
confidence in ourselves; start depending on others more than necessary, and stop
taking the initiative and responsibility for our own lives - to our own detriment.
Ageism
occurs at many levels: institutional, interpersonal and individual; and it is
complex. We know all too well that generally speaking we do slow down, our
reflexes aren’t as quick and we may not be as mentally sharp recalling
information. So what is the difference between ageism and biological reality?
At the
Tuesday Lecture on April 25th, I will lead a discussion about the meaning and
ramifications of ageism; and what we can do to refute the prejudicial attitudes
hurting older adults as they age. And I invite you to come and share your own
personal experiences of any ageist attitudes and behaviors you have encountered.
Like
most of the town, the Center we will be bustling with activity on Saturday starting
at 7:30 AM with the Cherry Festival Breakfast sponsored by the Center’s
neighbor - Cherry Heights Living. The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs,
bacon and fruit as well as the regular beverages. The cost is $6.00 for the
general public, $5.00 for members and $3.00 for children under twelve. And this
year some pomp and circumstance has been added with the Coronation of King Bing
and Queen Anne at 8:30 A.M. Then don’t forget come back for Saturday Night Bingo
starting at 6:00 PM when over $1100 will be paid out in cash prizes.
I’ve
mentioned that the Center’s Nu-2-U Shop volunteers have been busy restocking
the NU-2-U Shop with quality used spring apparel at the best prices in town.
But because the Nu-2-U space is limited, there are plenty of good clothes they
just can’t fit on the racks. To clear the extra clothes out, there will be a 1-Day
Bag Sale at the Center from 8:00 – 2:00 on Saturday, April 30th.
The Center has received several generous donations of decent
operating motorized wheelchairs plus several more that just need new batteries.
If you are interested in purchasing a motorized wheelchair at a very reasonable
cost, give the Center a call.
Enjoy
music and dance at the Center on Tuesday Night, April 26th when Country Road
will be playing. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and everyone is
welcome. Donations are appreciated.
The country
artist who made famous the Bakersfield Sound, recorded the #1 hit “Act
Naturally”, and was cohost of Hee Haw was Buck Owens. (The winner of a quilt
raffle ticket is Sue Ortega.)
This
week’s “Remember When” Question is about a brand of products that were
influential in shaping two generations of ham radio operators and electronic
hobbyists. What was the name of the kits that provided all the necessary parts
with clear instructions to build your own electronic devices - from ham radios
to even a Thomas electronic organ? Email your answer to
mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail your answer
with a HW-101 HF transceiver known as "Hot Water One-Oh-One".
Well, it’s been another week watching nature reawaken.
Until we meet again, keep a smile on your face and change in your pocket.
“Old
age puts more wrinkles in our minds than on our faces.” Michel de Montaigne
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