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Not sure if it is just me and my wife but since we became seniors, which I guess is over 60 years old, we seem to have become 'invisible' to younger people. What I mean is, when you are out shopping or walking, it seems that the only ones who smile at you, or acknowledge your presence are those of the same age as you! And it also seems that the younger people are, the more 'invisible' you become to them.
When I look at young people, especially those aged under 40, they seem to look straight through me and not even notice me, let alone make some indication that they actually see me. Maybe it's just a part of getting older but I must say it p****s me right off.
Not sure if it is just me and my wife but since we became seniors, which I guess is over 60 years old, we seem to have become 'invisible' to younger people. What I mean is, when you are out shopping or walking, it seems that the only ones who smile at you, or acknowledge your presence are those of the same age as you! And it also seems that the younger people are, the more 'invisible' you become to them.
When I look at young people, especially those aged under 40, they seem to look straight through me and not even notice me, let alone make some indication that they actually see me. Maybe it's just a part of getting older but I must say it p****s me right off.
Anyone else noticed this?
Are they too busy texting or talking on cell phones?
I'm only in my late 40s, but noticed it as well.
It also depends what part of the country you're in and whether you're in Smalltown, USA or Bigcity, USA.
Perhaps, before you retired, you had a larger role in life and aren't used to not being acknowledged anymore. I was in the military, so that's the case for me, as well.
One thing that bothers me and I can't explain it but sale people call me "Buddy" a lot - and I don't like it. Am I over sensitive about that? Is this a regional thing (Florida)?
Not sure if it is just me and my wife but since we became seniors, which I guess is over 60 years old, we seem to have become 'invisible' to younger people. What I mean is, when you are out shopping or walking, it seems that the only ones who smile at you, or acknowledge your presence are those of the same age as you! And it also seems that the younger people are, the more 'invisible' you become to them.
When I look at young people, especially those aged under 40, they seem to look straight through me and not even notice me, let alone make some indication that they actually see me. Maybe it's just a part of getting older but I must say it p****s me right off.
Anyone else noticed this?
I don't think it has to do with being retired or over 60 years old. My wife and I have been noticing the same thing for years before we even turned 50. I've noticed that many (not all) young people are extremely inward. The worst group I've seen are probably young mothers in their twenties. Some of these women are so detached from the rest of the world that I literally don't believe they see anything that doesn't relate to them, their children, and their husband/boyfriend.
The computer and other technologies of the information age have made much of our lives easier, but they have created a host of very subtle problems or issues that society is just starting to see. These technologies make it possible to live virtually without ever communicating with a new person or a stranger. You can shop online and talk to your friends online. Why worry about being polite to strangers down at the gas station, convenience store, or Walmart? Why listen to others when you can wear your IPOD all the time?
I think its a fine question to ask how you can avoid becoming invisible or irrelevant during your retirement. However, it has less to with age than the sort of world we are becoming. I think the implications of what this holds for the future are staggering and not pleasant. What I see is scaring me to death. I don't see what can be done about it though.
Things like online forms that require a work phone number ... work address, name of employer, job title, start date, and so on. And I've never seen an option for simply checking a box that says "retired", even though there are more and more retirees each year.
This is one of my great fears b/c I really enjoy being around people. I do a lot of work with first time homebuyers and one of the comments I hear is that I spend so much time with them and seem to really care. Well, I do.
I just saw Social Network and even though I try to see all sides, I am very sad at the lack of caring and negativity out there. There's a lot to be said for actual human contact. Yes, it helps to have a positive on-line response sometimes but nothing beats an old face to face.
In answer to the OP, I have seen this also - years ago - when people started listening to their Ipods - you would say hi and nothing - then you realized they didn't even hear/see you.
It is up to each individual to make certain they are not "invisible". Self-esteem can diminish at any age. Individuals should not let others treat them disrespectfully....up to every single one of us no matter what our age and how many Ipods we encounter.
I think that most are politie but their are alot more that basically are anti-social which is evident in the reality shows they watch and the problems in the school with many. But I meet alot fo very nice young people who basically reject it. Thoise like evry generation will be the ones who are successful.
I sort of enjoy the Invisible Man, cloaked stature...
Most people I see, on foot or driving, are consumed
by their texting, Tweets, emails, etc.
Even a trip through WalMartNation these days is an
exercise in dodging shopping carts pushed by the masses,
checking their smart phones, heads bowed, etc.
Sadly the age of technology has produced people who have little or no social skills who are unable to survive without a cell phone/blackberry or IPad in constant ON mode. Many first job interviews are now done over the telephone too. I often wonder if people have lost their face-to-face skills.
Their mode of communication, through the computer, like Facebook, lacks any personal contact. They "talk" to one another but never say anything. Glad I won't be around for the next generation, because it's not looking too promising.
I know what the OP means. Probably since I turned 60 a few years ago, I noticed that very few people make eye contact like they used to. I'm not talking about people distracted by a cell phone conversation or tuned out/in with an iPod. I always put it down to being an "old lady" and not as eye-catching, but perhaps it's a societal change. However, I always make a point of making eye contact and smiling when possible, and it's surprising how many people will then greet me or smile back. Let's reverse the trend!
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Being left out
Lack Face-to-Face Skills
