How to slow the aging period - Perceptions on ageing differ. A recent Australian survey (La Trobe University) found that the meaning of 'old age' was skewed: young respondents identified 56 as 'old' while older people considered that 67 was a more accurate description. My six-year-old grandson reckons that I'm old, but qualifies his observation (and stays in my good books) by telling me that I'm not as old as his other grandfather. Bottom line is you're 'old' if someone says or thinks you are.
Despite a 'softening' in a media and the ways that older people are presented, the general public still has a negative perception of older people. Whenever a photograph is required to accompany an ageing-related story, the subject is usually pictured in an extreme situation, either parachuting out of a plane or sitting in an armchair suffering from dementia. But let's not be too tough on the current media. What we're experiencing is an age-old stereotype.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative and are difficult to change. The negative stereotype linking beauty and youthfulness was present in ancient times. In early Greek society, for example, youthful heroism, physical perfection, and beauty were valued. Growing old and ageing was considered to not have much going for it. In fact, the elderly were often portrayed as ugly and feeble with words such as 'hateful', accursed', and 'sorrowful' often used to describe old age. Even the gods, we're told, (Aphrodite, for example) hated old age. It's no surprise that the image linking youth and beauty has become an archetype. That link still remains, today.
Become increasingly vocal about both negative and positive stereotypes of ageing. Your views matter. Stop acting your age. Never let chronological age be the most important determinant of age. As Mae West said, 'You're never too old to become younger'.
Don't spend too much time regretting lost opportunities. Carbohydrates, alcohol, and pain killers are the name of the game, and everyone shares in the riches'.
Don't delay! Take whatever action you consider necessary to slow-down the ageing process, because, according to Charles Schultz, 'Once you're over the hill, you begin to pick-up speed'.
