WELLINGTON COUNTY – One of the first things that people will notice about you is your age. Based on what we see, most of us make general assumptions about what that age means.
It doesn’t take long to realize, whether it is thumbing through women’s magazines, watching television or surfing the internet, that we must avoid aging at all costs.
Even if 60 is the new 40, we all know that if we are lucky enough, we will indeed one day grow old. We are probably just not aware of how quickly the years will pass by.
The assumption that many have is that aging is only a time of deterioration.
Of course, this is not true and contributes to negative stereotypes. We might hear someone say “I am having a seniors’ moment” when they forget something or can’t recall someone’s name.
While it is true that with age there is memory decline, it doesn’t mean that younger people don’t forget names, where they are parked at the mall or where they put their keys; it just means that they don’t attribute this to the aging process.
We do need to acknowledge that some aspects of aging aren’t that pleasant, but older adults aren’t walking around wearing rose-coloured glasses.
Aging may mean that we need to see our doctor on a more regular basis; we may live with grief or have aches and pains.
However, what about all the positives of getting older? Many acknowledge the freedom of not having to be a “people pleaser” anymore. Those who are retired no longer have to answer to their “boss.”
Being the “CEO” of their own company has its advantages, like deciding what they do and when they do it.
Many have the pleasure of grandchildren or other significant relationships with younger people that bring untold joy to their lives. Many are able to support the causes they believe in either financially or by dedicating their time as a volunteer, or both.
Lyn Barrett-Cowing of Fergus, 78, continues to work on her art well into retirement, and shares her love of what she does with all whom she meets.
Barrett-Cowing recently participated in a workshop with Norwell District High School where she shared her story with an art class. Barrett-Cowing, whose art has been featured across the province, including Toronto, was asked what advice she would have for young artists.
She replied: “It is important to hold onto your dream, no matter what. (Mine was to be known as an artist). Sometimes life gets in the way – marriage, children, work – but always keep that dream in your mind.
“I remember working in an office and could see the sky and practiced how I would paint the clouds.”
Greg Hammond of Moorefield at 70, is still running his business, K.A. Hammond & Co., just as he has for the last 49 years.
Asked the benefits of aging, he said: “I look at the world differently now; I have more understanding for why things are the way they are.
“I have so much more appreciation for people’s contributions, and my tolerance level has increased with age for most things,” Hammond added.
“Yesterday I was out cross-country skiing. It was great. I was dressed for it; I just don’t go quite as fast and far as I used to,” he said with a chuckle.
KAY AYRES
Kay Ayres of Mount Forest said she loves being an older adult.
“I have time that I never had before. I love the social aspect of being older,” she said. “Older people want to have fun! We want to see things, do things. We no longer have the worries we had while we were younger.
“To get our paycheck, we just have to wait to the end of the month. How great is that? No job performance reviews they just keep sending the pension cheque. White hair! Lovely…love it.
“No one expects me to open my own door, nothing bad about that.”
Let’s commit to educating ourselves about aging and fighting ageism whatever our age. Everyone is unique.
Making general assumptions and statements about aging reinforces stereotypes.
Older adults vary in their age, health and cognitive status, living arrangements, family structures, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and lifestyle choices.
Everyone deserves quality of life.
Submitted by the Waterloo Wellington Older Adult Strategy
