Why are we so afraid to grow old? In a way, we are all ageist. As a barber in a small town the majority of my clients are 65+ some more virile than others all usually dealing with some type of ailment. But, what concerns me is the amount of older gentlemen trying in futility to look younger.
I guess I shouldn't really be surprised since the days of the teen heart throb much of western society has devoted all of its time and effort into fighting off grey hairs and holding on to cherub faces, but to me this obsession for youth has come to an all time high in the past 20 years or so.
Silicon valley has ushered in a wave of technology parallel only to the industrial revolution. The speed of microchip advancement has become so rapid that much of the older generation is being left behind, and the younger people of society are not seeing the value of those who are thoroughly experienced in this thing called life.
At best we ridicule our elders and poke fun at their frailty, at worst we send them off to a home and do our best to forget about them. Granted some of the older generation needs more medical care than your average person can provide and need 24 hour monitoring and a rest home is the best place for them.
With all of this said, I guess what I would really like to see is our older generation rise up and take its dignity back, because nothing says "I am no longer relevant the way I am" than trying to be something you are not. Look at each grey hair as a badge of honor for a life all lived, because after all "grey hair is a crown of glory attained by a righteous life" proverbs 16:34
Respect your elders.
Live long and prosper.
Much love.
Dustin
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