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I've been going to the same barbershop for at least five years now. I had a bad haircut at the most popular barber in town, tried several new barbers, and liked these guys the best. The oldest is now 89 (turns 90 in October), the other two were in their late 70s (he passed away last year), and the youngest is almost 70.
I've gotten to know them all pretty well over the years, and asked the oldest one (who I probably know best) if he'd like to meet for lunch when I got my hair cut yesterday morning.
We met for lunch and we talked about the town, baseball, and politics. He was overjoyed that someone took him out to lunch - his one grandson now lives in Arizona and he says his granddaughters and some of his kids act like he doesn't exist anymore. He's in good shape for his age and he doesn't need any assistance, but I'm sure is probably slower and it's harder to get around than it used to be.
He said he's noticed over the years that younger people these days just don't respect older people or pay attention to them like they used to. I've noticed that when I go out, it's very rare to see a person younger than me helping someone elderly who appears to be in need. It sometimes seems like the elderly are just plain ignored.
Do you agree with him that younger adults just don't pay attention to or respect older people like they used to?
As I recall, we didn't particularly notice or like old people when I was young, either. I was taught to offer my seat and open doors for any person who seemed particularly decrepit, so maybe that isn't being taught universally any more.
To younger people, old people are a different species. They look strange, wear odd clothing, complain a lot, and always seem to be disappointed about something. And it goes both ways - they act like young people are a different species, too. When's the last time someone over 60 got into a real, seeking conversation with a teenager about modern pop music, without managing to convey that they think that music is way inferior to what they listened to in the 1960's? Or indicated a genuine interest in, and understanding of, computer games? I believe it falls to the older, more mature, presumably wiser person to seek common ground, since that person has more experience in doing so.
As I recall, we didn't particularly notice or like old people when I was young, either. I was taught to offer my seat and open doors for any person who seemed particularly decrepit, so maybe that isn't being taught universally any more.
To younger people, old people are a different species. They look strange, wear odd clothing, complain a lot, and always seem to be disappointed about something. And it goes both ways - they act like young people are a different species, too. When's the last time someone over 60 got into a real, seeking conversation with a teenager about modern pop music, without managing to convey that they think that music is way inferior to what they listened to in the 1960's? Or indicated a genuine interest in, and understanding of, computer games? I believe it falls to the older, more mature, presumably wiser person to seek common ground, since that person has more experience in doing so.
Agree - goes both ways and the older person is supposed to be more mature.
I hope as I get older that I don't feel like I am ignored. I want to be able to say that I don't care if I am or not noticed.
Look at the famous/important old people. They just trot them out on special occasions. No harm in letting others take the spotlight.
Growing up, my grandmother lived next door and this was not unusual for families in my neighborhood. As a child, I interacted with older people all the time (not just older family members).
I blame the age-segregated communities that are now popular...senior housing.
I am a senior (63 y/o) and have no desire to disconnect and live in either a 55+ community or other senior housing. I enjoy a diversified community of all ages, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.
This way I can interact with all ages, not just other 'old' people. I talk to (and get advice from) teens about smart phones, social media usage, etc. Young families on our street have asked us about finances (ie. how we managed to retire at ages 50 and 51).
We live in a walkable area, talk to neighbors daily as we walk to shop, bank, post office. It is far healthier for oldsters to walk, talk and interact with everyone and the best way to do that is not isolate themselves. We can all learn from each other, and that includes other age groups.
I am fine with it. Let them underestimate me. I will use that to my advantage.
I am the oldest person at my workplace by more than 20 years save for the owner, who is probably 12 to 15 years younger than I am and completely ignores me. It's working in my favor.
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