Perspective

Today's topic doesn't have a whole lot to do with being a Sandwich Gen'r as much as it being a general commentary on society's attitudes towards the elderly, as seen through my eyes.

Most people I've come across in recent years have more empathy towards my father the older they are. Younger people tend to be more rude, impatient, and condescending towards him, while middle-aged and older people are helpful, patient, and respectful.

I suppose it has to do with one's personal experience. Those who are middle-aged are likely to have elderly parents. There's a good chance they are caring for them. Maybe they live under the same roof. Their children are likely grown and living on their own.

Younger people are less likely to have an ongoing relationship with a person in that age bracket; despite people generally living longer today, grandparents are more often than not far-flung from their familes. Retiring to a warmer climate, middle-generation career opportunities, all have their separating effect.

I am not passing judgement, merely telling it how it is.

I believe it is the lack of young people's experience with the elderly that is the cause of the disconnect.

I felt compelled to bring this up after countless times witnessing people politely yell at my father, thinking he is deaf when all he really needs is words to be spoken slowly so he can digest them, or repeatedly so he can understand. Or doors closed in his face because he moves too slowly for the person before him.

In each elderly person there is a former baby, a 10-year-old gawky kid, a 16-year-old beauty or handsome young man, a 20-year-old trying to make his/her way in the world, a 28-year-old newlywed, a 30-year-old new parent (maybe yours!) a 60-something retiree, an 80-year-old doting grandparent, a 90-year-old physically-failing but mentally-sharp mind who is a treasure to the world.

We need to remember all these humans in our midst.

Junie