Doing a little research....

laneybug · Post by **laneybug** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:07 pm

...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 7:52 pm

laneybug;1178064 wrote: ...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you? Here in Britain, the elderly are treated appalling in my opinion. I get so angry about it. They have fought wars, worked all their lives, paid their taxes, contributed to their country and now our govenment seems youth orientated. Elderly on state pensions can barely pay their heating bills yet youths in criminal detenton centres go on trips to France.

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:02 pm

I was with my family over easter.

I had a great time.

I just sat & looked at my elderly parents,I felt very sad as they are starting to show their age.

My Dad started work when he was 14yrs old.

He paid taxes till he retired at 70.

They are on a pension,my Dad gets a carers pension of $55 extra a week to look after my Mum.

Big deal.

Our parents are lucky as they have children who put in to get them special treats & the little extras in life.

They don't expect it,it is our way of thanking them for all they have done for us over the years.

I do wonder how the pensioners who have no family,or whose families have abandoned them get on .

I am not sure how I would get on if I had to live on a pesion.

Maybe I should try it for a month & see what happens,I probably wouldn't last a week.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:14 pm

Society views the elderly as a bother and have been pushed them aside.

Society has become so high-tec the elderly are very confused with using their Bank cash card.

Does this bother me? yes, how so?

Society has isolated the elderly - confined them - limited them and that makes the elderly very dependent on family members & others.

It's sad really - since we will all be there eventually - how does society change/turn this around to where all

Elderly are respected ...?

Patsy

Victoria · Post by **Victoria** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:57 pm

I work as a home help mainly with elderly people.

Some of their views are quite surprising not what you would expect from white haired old ladies, many of them have lovely stories from their youth which are still very relevant today.

Thier treatment varies the social pension and care system in this country is quite good.There is even a sort of old peoples union that helps them get what they need and warns of con men problems in health car ect ect.

Its families that gets me one lady worked two jobs,put her son through collage and uni so he could become a doctor, he lives 90km away thats a 40 minute drive.

How often does he visit? Christmas and birthday if she is lucky.

Then she runs about making sure the house is tip top buys the cakes he likes ect ect and the sod stays an hour if she's lucky.

We cannot put the blame on society and walk away WE are society and until WE as individuals start treating people better we cannot expect it of anyone else, so no tutting in the market today when the old person in front cant use her bank card.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:10 am

I didn't say I was frustrated with the elderly Bank Card or not..?

I stated the sad affair regarding the elderly in the High-Tec world - so please do not TURN MY WORDS AROUND.

as I hope your statement wasn't a individual jab..

Since the question was HOW SOCIETY VIEWED - grouped/in general as I see around my community, which is 55 or older community.

I also have worked extensively with the elderly and still do.

alot of Elderly are sweet up front and Exorcist to others, perhaps the real person.??

Do the elderly have lovely stories - of course they do - that wasn't the survey.

as far as family visitng or feeling obligated or who's taking advantage of who? - that's another thread. Very interesting too, I've seen all sides..

Interesting - In Hawaii the Elderly are Highly Respected..

Patsy

Victoria · Post by **Victoria** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:34 am

My comment was a general one although your vicious reply highlights a problem in general.

Lack of manners lack of patience and lack of understanding for others.

Bill Sikes · Post by **Bill Sikes** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:28 am

laneybug;1178064 wrote: What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

In "our" society, we hugely undervalue age. A youth-oriented world is an unstable one. Old people's social position has undoubtably fallen - in some instances, outrageously. This bothers me a great deal, because: a) of the inhumanity, b) one day I'll be old.

mikeinie · Post by **mikeinie** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:08 am

Unless they are loaded with cash, the elderly are not treated very well on society. I think part of the problem is that although medicine has done wonders in extending the length of life, we are somewhat failing in providing a quality of life to go with it.

There are just too many people in old age homes hanging onto the hope of a visit. If you are elderly and healthy and able to continue with an independent life then all should be OK, but once the health starts to go it can be a real problem and society pushes them aside.

I think that it has always been a youth oriented world. I don’t think that there is anything necessarily wrong with that, but we need to figure out how to manage the increasing average life span.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:35 pm

We cannot put the blame on society and walk away WE are society and until WE as individuals start treating people better we cannot expect it of anyone else,

Well said, Victoria. The buck stops here.

farmer giles · Post by **farmer giles** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:37 pm

along-for-the-ride;1178482 wrote: We cannot put the blame on society and walk away WE are society and until WE as individuals start treating people better we cannot expect it of anyone else,

Well said, Victoria. The buck stops here.

genius post :-6:-6

we should start treating the elderly better now ...i'll soon be one :-3:-3

minks · Post by **minks** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:54 pm

Bring back that concept of the extended family. Our youth need the input of the elderly. Where the heck is the rapport between children and grandparents. As a child I had regular visits with my grandparents and my great grand parents. I have wonderful memories and insight into what their lives were about. I am very fortunate my children have 3 out of 4 of their grands. They have a good rapport with 2 of the 3. And my folks are blessed with2 great grandchildren.

My opinion on the elderly, respect them they built your life as it is today.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:59 pm

laneybug;1178064 wrote: ...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

I love my wrinklies but you are right - we do appear to show them less respect than in times past.

The social aspects upset me to an extent but the medical aspects worry me far more - we work miracles in keeping people alive into a grand old age but we are less and less able to keep them compos mentis.

Couple this with a falling willingness in the younger generation to look after their elderly relatives and you have an ever increasing problem. I don't claim to have an answer to this but it does need to be resolved.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:18 pm

Bryn Mawr;1178507 wrote: I love my wrinklies but you are right - we do appear to show them less respect than in times past.

The social aspects upset me to an extent but the medical aspects worry me far more - we work miracles in keeping people alive into a grand old age but we are less and less able to keep them compos mentis.

Couple this with a falling willingness in the younger generation to look after their elderly relatives and you have an ever increasing problem. I don't claim to have an answer to this but it does need to be resolved.
I believe the root cause is plain old selfishness. As a society we have become so selfish that as soon as any-one out lives their usefullness, we no longer want them around. Children are no longer taught that the Grand Parent is to be awed and respected. I see this in Turkish culture but not here in the West.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:20 pm

minks;1178493 wrote: Bring back that concept of the extended family. Our youth need the input of the elderly. Where the heck is the rapport between children and grandparents. As a child I had regular visits with my grandparents and my great grand parents. I have wonderful memories and insight into what their lives were about. I am very fortunate my children have 3 out of 4 of their grands. They have a good rapport with 2 of the 3. And my folks are blessed with2 great grandchildren.

My opinion on the elderly, respect them they built your life as it is today.

My best memories from my youth are the times I spent with my grand-parents and my great grand father. I received so much love from them and learnt so much about life that I feel blessed.

I firmly believe that it is our responsibility to do what we can to help when they become too old to help themselves.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:26 pm

oscar;1178508 wrote: I believe the root cause is plain old selfishness. As a society we have become so selfish that as soon as any-one out lives their usefullness, we no longer want them around. Children are no longer taught that the Grand Parent is to be awed and respected. I see this in Turkish culture but not here in the West.

When the Inuit were living on the edge of survival they had no choice but to put those who were no longer useful to society outside.

We are living at a time when society is capable of generating far more than it needs to consume - we have no excuse for doing the same.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:18 pm

Too many questions.

Your a Chinese spy.

Post by **Peter Lake** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:21 pm

I'm old----- I'd like some kindness.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:23 pm

Peter Lake;1178578 wrote: I'm old----- I'd like some kindness.

Whats this Peter Lake !

Your love thinks your a stud muffin !

Post by **Peter Lake** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:25 pm

Nomad;1178579 wrote: Whats this Peter Lake !

Your love thinks your a stud muffin ! She's a relentless woman. I need kindness in my twilight zone.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:27 pm

Peter Lake;1178582 wrote: She's a relentless woman. I need kindness in my twilight zone.

Do you need me to put her head in a vice so you can relax for a change ?

I will throw her under the bus like nobodies business.

Post by **Peter Lake** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:06 pm

Nomad;1178583 wrote: Do you need me to put her head in a vice so you can relax for a change ?

I will throw her under the bus like nobodies business. Mere men are no match for the evil one. I took a contract out on her and they returned her.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:07 pm

Peter Lake;1178611 wrote: Mere men are no match for the evil one. I took a contract out on her and they returned her.

I know people

Post by **Peter Lake** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:18 pm

Nomad;1178613 wrote:

I know people

Will you take a cheque ?

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:19 pm

Peter Lake;1178620 wrote: Will you take a cheque ?

No.

Its my gift to you.

She will be my fodder by this time tomorrow.

Post by **Peter Lake** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:37 pm

Nomad;1178621 wrote: No.

Its my gift to you.

She will be my fodder by this time tomorrow. How can i repay you my friend? I'll leave the house key underneath the first stone past the third tree on the left of the fifth rosebush to the right of the lavender bush just past the second turning on the left. She won't look there. You can creep in while she's asleep. I'll leave the house early.

Goodnight my friend.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:51 pm

Peter Lake;1178629 wrote: How can i repay you my friend? I'll leave the house key underneath the first stone past the third tree on the left of the fifth rosebush to the right of the lavender bush just past the second turning on the left. She won't look there. You can creep in while she's asleep. I'll leave the house early.

Goodnight my friend.

Good night Peter Lake.

Stay strong !

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:21 am

:wah:

Oh, oscar..............................did you get all this?

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:39 am

laneybug;1178064 wrote: ...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

I think the elderly are fascinating...so many stories we here. My neighbors John & Helen are in their 80's and she still gardens & John still drives, etc. They do everything together and Quin goes over to their house all the time for some chit chat...oh boy when John starts chatting away...fascinating.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:49 am

along-for-the-ride;1178745 wrote: :wah:

Oh, oscar..............................did you get all this? I got it and they're in big trouble.

G-man · Post by **G-man** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:34 pm

I haven't seen either of the conspirators on all day... I think she took care of them both. :-3

It's unfortunate how some of us treat others who we find a bother... it's not just the elderly... it's the ill, disabled, poor, homeless... it's generally always been that way, even prior to the poor economy. It's a good thing that there are some folks out there, such as myself, as I can only speak for myself, who care and show those folks some respect. It's true that they could so easily be any one of us without a moment's notice. More folks need to follow the Golden Rule.

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:17 pm

G-man;1178876 wrote: I haven't seen either of the conspirators on all day... I think she took care of them both. :-3

It's unfortunate how some of us treat others who we find a bother... it's not just the elderly... it's the ill, disabled, poor, homeless... it's generally always been that way, even prior to the poor economy. It's a good thing that there are some folks out there, such as myself, as I can only speak for myself, who care and show those folks some respect. It's true that they could so easily be any one of us without a moment's notice. More folks need to follow the Golden Rule.

I always treat the elderly with care and have taught my children as well...open the doors for older peeps, etc. Always treat peeps the way you would want to be treated and never be rude...

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:39 pm

laneybug;1178064 wrote: ...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

It is very youth oriented, and the elderly do not have the respect in they deserve. It bothers me greatly, but then, my husband would fall under the category of an ederly person being an invalid. I bucked the system, and took him home. I had to fight very hard to do it also, everyone thought that was a very negative thing to do. It is how they did it for thousands of years, why not now!

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:32 pm

laneybug;1178064 wrote: ...and I thought this would be a good place to get some around-the-world opinions.

What are your opinions on the elderly? How do you believe society views them? Do you believe we live in a youth-oriented world? Do you believe the elderly have fallen on the social ladder? And, if so, how much does this bother you?

I am 74 and guess I qualify as elderly, perhaps even OLD. The community in which I live consists of all retirees living in individual homes of different sizes. It's a pretty active community with two golf courses, indoor and out door pools, tennis courts etc. I have a opinion about my peer group and it's varied, as are the individuals themselves. They run the gamut of looking and acting old with temperaments to match, to vigorous looking with pleasing temperament.

It's a youth oriented world in many respects but notice how the politicians cater to the old retired farts. Why? Because they vote & have most of the money and represent a huge block.

It does **** me off when I go to the super market after playing tennis for two hours, and a young clerk asks if he can help me to my car with my two pound sack of groceries. I know that is the stores policy, but wish they would just size up the customer rather than just look at the wrinkles and white hair.

Sun City Roseville - An Active Adult Community

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:12 pm

Lon

I can so see how this could be insulting.

I also live in a age requirement community, Policy or not some get pretty rough with the response . But how would one know? Lon, your very healthy congrats to you & keep rolling on.

All in all the elderly have alot to give as any one else

But their seldom embraced - respected

as mentioned - it's a catagory with disabled, ill , elderly, it's sad.

I've been very impressed with Hawaii "Policy" respecting the elderly - never seen anything like it. Young kids giving up their seats on a city bus..?

I teared up watching a young kid giving a elderly a umbrella on a rainy day.

If more would reach out....

Chrons

follow your heart & congrats to you & your husband..

I don't know why the cycle is turning - is it the fast past world leaving several in the slow lane.?

We're all getting old - we will be ill - and some disabled, so why can't we respect and incorporate all ?

I enjoy the stories/memories - it's a history book being read to me...

Patsy

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 10:15 am

oscar;1178083 wrote: Here in Britain, the elderly are treated appalling in my opinion. I get so angry about it. They have fought wars, worked all their lives, paid their taxes, contributed to their country and now our govenment seems youth orientated. Elderly on state pensions can barely pay their heating bills yet youths in criminal detenton centres go on trips to France.
It does'nt happen very often,,, in fact rarely,, but i agree with Oscar

Victoria;1178115 wrote: I work as a home help mainly with elderly people.

Some of their views are quite surprising not what you would expect from white haired old ladies, many of them have lovely stories from their youth which are still very relevant today.

Thier treatment varies the social pension and care system in this country is quite good.There is even a sort of old peoples union that helps them get what they need and warns of con men problems in health car ect ect.

Its families that gets me one lady worked two jobs,put her son through collage and uni so he could become a doctor, he lives 90km away thats a 40 minute drive.

How often does he visit? Christmas and birthday if she is lucky.

Then she runs about making sure the house is tip top buys the cakes he likes ect ect and the sod stays an hour if she's lucky.

We cannot put the blame on society and walk away WE are society and until WE as individuals start treating people better we cannot expect it of anyone else, so no tutting in the market today when the old person in front cant use her bank card.

well said Victoria:)