Stereotyping Of The Elderly

Placing a label on anyone whether they are young, old, Black, White, Spanish, or Asian is wrong but it is human nature to sometimes do that. These labels are called stereotypes. There are many stereotypes that are placed on the elderly in our society. Some of the stereotypes about the elderly are that they are frail/weak, slow drivers, and grumpy.

Although there are some elderly that have become weak and frail due to age, I believe that there are still several that are strong and full of life. My grandfather was still very strong in his 80's and 90's because he always ate healthy and exercised even if it was just walking. My Dad is almost 70 years old and still does all the yard work at his house such as trimming the trees and mowing the lawn. He sometimes have small races with my eight year old son. My dad and grandfather are just a couple of examples of people in their older age that are still strong and vibrant. Are there frail old age people out there? Yes there definitely is, but I do not believe that a weak and frail label should be placed on all of them.

The stereotype that all old age people drive slow may be debatable for some. I am not going to say that while on the road and the person in front of me is driving extremely slow that the thought had not cross my mind that it is probably an old person driving. Was I wrong for making that assumption? Yes, I was wrong for making that assumption but I have found that a good portion of the time if the person in front of me is driving extremely slow the chances are it is an elderly person driving. Still there are also young and middle age people that do the same thing.

Every now and then we all get a little grumpy depending on our circumstances. Unfortunately, this stereotype has been placed on all people of old age. I happen to work with with one that is always unhappy and complains about every little thing but I did not allow that to mess up my views on other elderly people because I know so many others that are sweet, happy and just enjoy making others around them laugh or smile.