July 01st, 2019

Throw the Sixty Year Olds from the Bridge

​"Because we were once young and learned then to judge old negatively, the internalized ageism that persists urges us to identify with our younger and hence more desirable selves. It takes particular effort to understand and see how and why we do this and how it does a disservice to what we are now." (Martha Holstein)
 
This attitude is so entrenched in our society today that it WILL take great effort and mindfulness to take a new course toward ageing.

I recently attended a geriatric conference where I was confronted by this reality. A renowned geriatrician depended on disparagement humour for the framework of his presentation which was received with resounding laughter from the roomful of about 200 healthcare professionals.

I was very disappointed by this and by my inability to respond to the offense. If someone like myself who is aware of how the humour reinforces the negativity, how can our older adults faced with the ageism as a matter of course possibly rise above the bias?!

The inscription on this painting translates from the Latin: "Throw the sixty year olds from the bridge"
Beware of the power of humour!!!

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