(http://lulusparty.hubpages.com/hub/Lulus-Opinion-on-Fashion-Styles-for-Women-50-Plus)
I think this quote encompasses the goal of this social justice project towards raising awareness about ageism in the field of mental health. As the older generation grows and, to be frank, ages, society needs to focus on the value of each individual in the population, regardless of their mental status. They have all lived long, interesting lives and deserved to be treated as such.
Of course, not every older adult has experienced a smooth transition from middle to older adulthood. Have you heard about Joyce Carpati? She is 82 years old and has revealed her secrets to the world about how she continues to feel so young and has aged so gracefully and successfully. Check out the article on Yahoo by Sara Bliss: https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/i-am-a-do-it-yourself-kind-of-woman-joyce-carpati-88433510288.html
Unfortunately, not every older adult has the opportunity or ability to live such an independent life that resembles that of a jet-setting 20-something. Enter helping professionals (and even family caregivers) who can help older adults recognize their potential and find some peace within the aging process and overcoming mental health struggles.
The Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion (ADS Center) through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides many access points to those wanting (or helping an individual) to overcome the stereotypes, stigma, and other roadblocks older adults experience when dealing with mental health problems. What is particularly interesting is their statistics on the rate of suicide among older adults and this generation's under-utilization of mental health services. Please take a look at the website and consider exploring their list of potential options, including joining their listserv: http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/audience/adults/
I love that quote! That is so true what you say about the lives of these older individuals and they need to be valued on an individual basis and treated with respect and dignity. That is exactly what I was thinking as I was reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katie! I thought it was perfectly fitting! The older generation has experienced so much more than the younger generations that they most certainly should be treated with respect, dignity, and I believe we should be taking advice from them in some instances.
ReplyDeleteGreat beginning article about the therapy offered at a nursing home. I think we are to quick to assume that all mental problems with the elderly are due to their age and are quick to medicate. But this does not get to the root of the problem.
DeleteThe quote just sums it all up: beauty is internal and represents what we have to offer to the world. This reflects the true beauty of aging. I think that this could also be considered for the lifestyle of aging, as growing older does not mean that our capabilities necessarily decline. Older individuals have much to offer and should be provided with opportunities regardless of age.
ReplyDeleteI think that this quote is beautiful. Hopefully our culture will be go the way of other cultures, respecting and appreiciating all the beauty and wisdom of our elderly. I know I have a long way to go with my grandmothers and hope I can live and breath this respect to my parents as they age. It starts with one to starting a cultural change.
DeleteI also appreciate this saying! I find it interesting the time spent on daily “improvements” to our appearance compared to the long term benefits vs. the daily time spent on mind “improvements” and the long term benefits. I think it is unfortunate that one can only seem to truly appreciate all that we have to offer once our youthful beauty begins to “fade” and our adult beauty takes its place.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, it is unfortunate that our society seems to show a higher appreciation for inner beauty only as our youthful beauty fades.
DeletePinterest did it again giving us a great quote to think about! I especially liked this quote because I feel like often, the aging population is seen as so positive and almost glamorized when they have an impressive life story to tell, or a soundbite of wisdom to share, or something of the like. You'll hear people say "oh I love hearing aging individuals talk about their life, I find it so interesting" (at least, I hear people say that). But when the not so fascinating side of aging comes to light people are not so interested. When an aging individual struggles with depression people are not so quick to be at their side, listening to their struggles. When they are distressed to the point of suicide, fewer and fewer people want to listen to what they have to say.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I very much agree with your post! It saddens me to see how often older adults are often ignored and pushed to the side when they raise serious mental health concerns to light. Often times, family members and friends can think these signs of depression are simply "normal" for the aging population, and that they need to be dealt with on a non-professional level. This is where we, as social workers, can educate our clients on the benefits of therapy, even for older generations. Also, this TED Talk sheds light on the fact that older individuals may not be as sad as we think...Take a look!
Deletehttp://www.ted.com/talks/laura_carstensen_older_people_are_happier
A lot of things I experience in my life I give credit to my mother for because she is the one who showed me that there is a whole lot of things to be discovered out in the world. I have been in the military for 24 years yet my mother has traveled to twice as many countries as I have. She has been to England, Thailand, Germany, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Syria, Poland, Africa, Russia and a couple more places that I can't remember at this time. Each time she has had the chance to experience new cultures and interact with people from various backgrounds. I would love to see her share these experiences in a book one day as she opens eyes to different wonders of the world. Her stories born from her world travels are so interesting to hear that they transfer you to the time and place where she was so that you feel like you are experiencing it with her. She has the ability to share the beauty of these places through her stories. I think my mother has always been at peace with aging and is still young at heart. I always call her at least 2 to 3 times a week and ask for advice when needed because her wisdom is something I can always learn from as I grow older. The respect that I give her and the life that she has lived is something that has faded with our youth of today. Due to the technical advancements and different programs available the youth of today do not think that older people have a lot to tell them because times have changed so much. The thing that they forget is that because of these older people is why things have changed. They are the ones who changed it and are still very much involved. All we have to do is take the time to sit down and listen...
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