Senior Moments: Ageism disrespects the wisdom and guidance of our elders

“It has come to my attention that you are older than dirt,” I said to Mr. Moon as he stopped by my garden window for his July chat.

“And why does that matter?” he asked with a cocked-eyed sliver of a smile that made him look much younger than the 4.5 billion years reported on Wikipedia. And he certainly did not look older than the 4.4 billion years that dirt is purported to be.

So why my comment about age?

I think this calls for a pot of tea, I said as I put the kettle on to boil. Then I went on to explain to Mr. Moon that our country’s political climate during this election year has focused on older age as if it were somehow unbecoming or something to be ashamed of. Comments like “senile,” “ready for the nursing home” and “demented” have become commonplace criticisms. And those are some of the kinder ones.

As they have picked up popularity as campaign slogans, such comments seem to be reaching a place of acceptance in everyday life.

While it’s not uncommon to hear people joke about being “older than dirt” as they age, it is disturbing to hear the term used as a derogatory slam. What’s more disturbing is how OK it has become.

Growing up with an immigrant Russian-Jewish grandmother who did not speak English, but was able to communicate her sound life views by example, I developed a reverence for the wisdom and advice that are a gift of later life. This continued as an adult when I taught poetry classes in retirement homes, the average age of students, 85, who took pride in volunteering their skills as well as learning new ones.

When I witness condescending ageist rudeness I think of my grandmother and the other women who shaped my attitudes and actions about aging. Many lovely grandmas who, though long gone, are guides for my Senior Moments column.

And look at you, Mr. Moon. You are light and wisdom and hope. The splendor of your accumulated years has made you honored and adored. Thank you for the lesson.

Email Patriciabunin@sbcglobal.net. Follow her on X and at patriciabunin.com.