Monday, June 1, 2009

The Rumors about Old People

The common stereotypes that I have heard about old people is that they are stubborn, unable to learn, and smell, are some negative stereotypes. Some good stereotypes are they are wise and giving.
I personally believe that a lot of the older generation are stubborn. The majority of the ones that I have run across were raised with the strict, “old school,” way of life, and are stuck in their ways of doing things. A lot of old people are afraid of trying new things for the fear that new is bad. They often stick to the fact that what they have been used to is good, and what works and has always worked is the best. This is understandable, but because a lot of them have this attitude toward things that can help them in life, like medicine, they can possibly be missing out on a betterment of their quality of life. As far as judgmental concerns go, it reflected back to stubbornness. Old people are not necessary judgmental, I think they are more or less shocked by what is acceptable in society now-a-days. They are more vocal about their concerns then younger generations tend to be.
I think the elderly are able to learn they just either don’t bother, or absorb information at such a slow pace it isn’t recognized. Everyone is able to learn, but the rate and method that the elderly learn is different. I do not think this is a valid statement. The elderly are capable of learning. As far as smell is concern, a lot of older people do tend to carry an odor. As noted in my “Healthcare Needs of the Elderly,” textbook, the changes in the body of the elderly often alters their outward appearance, and apparently odor. The elderly often use older, somewhat less effective hygiene methods, therefore an odor can sometimes be apparent.
Elderly are also thought of as wise and giving. I think this is true in a lot of cases. They are always willing to give things they have or have collected in the past. I think the elder generation is used to, in a lot of cases, having the bare minimum, or had multiple brothers and sisters, so learned how to sacrifice some a lot. Elderly are considered wise because in actuality they have lived through a lot and experiences a lot more and more difficult situations then a lot of the younger generations. They are willing to share their knowledge so that the generations to follow can avoid some mistakes. Regardless, elders deserve respect and should be regarded as sacred members of any society.

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