In class this week, we presented and discussed each of our aging myth debunking assignments. Everyone had their own interpretations on the assignment and came up with creative ways to debunk or bring attention to ageist myths and stereotypes. Some used humor, some created infographics, and others even set up websites for blogs and tutorials. For my project, I used anti-aging product ads that I found on the internet and altered them address ageist stereotypes and attitudes portrayed in these very ads. I used some of the same words and phrasing normally used in ads but replaced them with anti-ageism statements instead. For example, one of the shorter but also more common phrases was “Wrinkle Reducer”. I replaced it “Wrinkle Embracer”. A one-word change, but a completely different message. In my search for ads, I noticed that many of them featured people who were likely under the age of 50 and were edited with photoshop. It was also very difficult to find anti-aging product ads aimed at men. It seems as if there isn’t a huge “market” for men in the anti-aging industry, but this just sheds light on how women are largely the main target of the industry. Women are subjected to ageist views and attitudes more often and more ubiquitously than men are.
On Saturday, after weeks and weeks of planning, the day of our Senior Wellness Day HAP finally came. While there were a few bumps along the way, through a collective effort, we were still able to put together an event full of activities for the seniors at the West Center. We had several activity stations set up, all with the intention of helping the seniors relax and be able to go home with something that’ll hopefully make their day. We had a station for nails, face masks, massages, coloring, and as well as a jewelry and clothing drive. I was positioned at the clothing drive table where I mostly handled men’s clothing. There was one gentleman who came to the table to find a pair of pants but was half-expecting that there wouldn’t be one in his size. We were only able to find one that was 1 or 2 sizes off but he accepted it anyways and said he could work with it. He came back a few minutes later with a big smile on his face and gestured at his legs, “Look, they fit! Thank you!”. One of the best feelings I had was being able to find something that was exactly what they were looking for and really needed, whether it was a pair of size 34 pants that they would wear to church or a large sweater they could keep them warm when it gets cold.
At our last visit to the West Center, I met a lady named, Cora. I remember telling her about our Wellness HAP and hoped that she would be able to make it before she left for the Philippines. I met other Filipina ladies earlier during the event who regularly came to the center and I asked them if they knew Cora. The event was nearing its end and there was still no sign of her. I thought, perhaps she’d forgotten or was busy volunteering in the kitchen for the lunch period coming up. As I was folding the remaining clothes, one of the ladies that I spoke with earlier came up to the table and told me that Cora was here. Sure enough, there was Cora sitting at the nails station wearing a gold jacket and waiting to get her nails painted. When it wasn’t so busy anymore, I asked one of the volunteers to cover my table for a bit while I went to go speak with Cora. She didn’t remember my name but she did remember my face and our conversation. We caught up with each other for a few minutes and she shared with me that she’d be leaving for the Philippines for the July and was likely going to stay there. Before we said our goodbyes we took a polaroid for her to keep, and a picture on my phone as well, so that we both had something to remember one another by.
On Saturday, after weeks and weeks of planning, the day of our Senior Wellness Day HAP finally came. While there were a few bumps along the way, through a collective effort, we were still able to put together an event full of activities for the seniors at the West Center. We had several activity stations set up, all with the intention of helping the seniors relax and be able to go home with something that’ll hopefully make their day. We had a station for nails, face masks, massages, coloring, and as well as a jewelry and clothing drive. I was positioned at the clothing drive table where I mostly handled men’s clothing. There was one gentleman who came to the table to find a pair of pants but was half-expecting that there wouldn’t be one in his size. We were only able to find one that was 1 or 2 sizes off but he accepted it anyways and said he could work with it. He came back a few minutes later with a big smile on his face and gestured at his legs, “Look, they fit! Thank you!”. One of the best feelings I had was being able to find something that was exactly what they were looking for and really needed, whether it was a pair of size 34 pants that they would wear to church or a large sweater they could keep them warm when it gets cold.
At our last visit to the West Center, I met a lady named, Cora. I remember telling her about our Wellness HAP and hoped that she would be able to make it before she left for the Philippines. I met other Filipina ladies earlier during the event who regularly came to the center and I asked them if they knew Cora. The event was nearing its end and there was still no sign of her. I thought, perhaps she’d forgotten or was busy volunteering in the kitchen for the lunch period coming up. As I was folding the remaining clothes, one of the ladies that I spoke with earlier came up to the table and told me that Cora was here. Sure enough, there was Cora sitting at the nails station wearing a gold jacket and waiting to get her nails painted. When it wasn’t so busy anymore, I asked one of the volunteers to cover my table for a bit while I went to go speak with Cora. She didn’t remember my name but she did remember my face and our conversation. We caught up with each other for a few minutes and she shared with me that she’d be leaving for the Philippines for the July and was likely going to stay there. Before we said our goodbyes we took a polaroid for her to keep, and a picture on my phone as well, so that we both had something to remember one another by.