Reflection #51 Aging and the Media
The Gap Year: Navigating Life's Transitions
“Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow.” --Clare of Assisi
There are images in media that hold elders in high esteem. Commercials, programs, movies, and news stories show us as we are smart, active adults involved in activities that benefit our families and communities. They show caring individuals who are living with purpose. They reflect us living life fully, delighting in our connection to the world and creation.
Other media, particularly commercials for life and health insurance or care, stereotype older people as dim-witted or overly dependent. One commercial that irks me shows an older man in a healthcare facility dancing around like a crazy person. I don’t find it funny. Yet, I have to admit that I chuckled at the Saturday Night Live sketch that depicted the boomer generation, while advertising the Amazon Echo, giving any command close to the necessary “Alexa” --like “Anita”, “Anna” or any name that starts with an A.
The media may be less ageist than in the past, but I believe there is still room for improvement in how we are portrayed. Age is not an obstacle to be overcome or coddled. Aging is a dynamic process that benefits the community in many ways. Why not make shows and commercials showing men and women proficient at their computers, tutoring children, working in the community food bank, or volunteering with the Red Cross. On the other hand, I don’t wish the media to present age in an overly positive light that creates such an exaggerated standard of comparison that most of us would never be able to live up to.
When we see the real voice of older adults it helps us to accept our own aging rather than the fright of growing frailer. It makes us feel better when we have a lively vision and believe our lives have a greater purpose than just passing time til death. Let’s have media that highlights caring individuals who are living with purpose. That reflects us living life fully, delighting in our connection to the world and creation.
Now it’s your turn. Take time to reflect and, if in a group, share as you feel able.
Taking a second look at what’s on television I see: a) smart, active adults involved in activities that benefit communities. b) stereotyped older people who are dim-witted or overly dependent. c) there is still room for improvement in how older adults are portrayed. d) media that highlights caring individuals who are living with purpose.