Reading life lessons from the older folks in Happiness Is a Choice You Make and completing my Debunking Ageist Myths assignment, I have learned so much this week. The first lesson I learned was the true concept of gratitude and acceptance. Fred and Ping, two elder people from the book, spoke of the importance of giving thanks and accepting the reality of aging. Fred lived a life fulfilled with happy memories, challenging hardships, and immense persistence. Fred was a person who found the silver lining in any situation. For instance, when he was advised to use a walker, he reflected on his limitation with mobility and whenever he had the chance to take a walk without any assistance, he was truly joyous. He faced adversity in the eye and managed to overcome it all with a smile on his face. He knew he only had one life so he rather live it with as much pleasure as he could. Fred taught me to recognize the fortunate opportunities given to you and find moments to be grateful even if the odds are against you. Similarly, Ping lived her life accepting the turn of events to come with old age. Ping had a lifelong journey working full-time and financially being the supportive figure in her family. Her hard work paid off and the government supported her with her retirement. Ping realized aging is inevitable and once you come to terms with this reality, you are able to put life into perspective. Ping taught me that no matter the hard times that arise, be sure to accept the change that comes with it and prosper in the growth you make.
The second lesson I learned was to do what makes you happy by prioritizing what you value in life and not succumbing to the expectations put upon you. I came to this realization when working on my Debunking Ageist Myths assignment. My creative solution to this ageist issue was road themed or what I called it was the Road to Debunk Ageism. I proposed first to stop the spread of inaccurate information then finding the crossing of cultural narratives which created the acceptance of this type of ageism and yielded to the truth that regardless of age anyone is capable of learning something new. I saw how this specific stereotype affected older people in my life. I saw my grandparents reluctant to try new things like a dancing class or exercising routines cause they felt they were “too old,” but it always took a little convincing and motivation on my part to get them to try it. Social constructs and obligations left many older people impressionable to the idea they aren’t capable of doing something because society discourages anything other than the norm. As a society we must come together to dismantle ageism and foster an environment that welcomes any form of self-expression.
The second lesson I learned was to do what makes you happy by prioritizing what you value in life and not succumbing to the expectations put upon you. I came to this realization when working on my Debunking Ageist Myths assignment. My creative solution to this ageist issue was road themed or what I called it was the Road to Debunk Ageism. I proposed first to stop the spread of inaccurate information then finding the crossing of cultural narratives which created the acceptance of this type of ageism and yielded to the truth that regardless of age anyone is capable of learning something new. I saw how this specific stereotype affected older people in my life. I saw my grandparents reluctant to try new things like a dancing class or exercising routines cause they felt they were “too old,” but it always took a little convincing and motivation on my part to get them to try it. Social constructs and obligations left many older people impressionable to the idea they aren’t capable of doing something because society discourages anything other than the norm. As a society we must come together to dismantle ageism and foster an environment that welcomes any form of self-expression.