The first few weeks of this course have already begun to reshape my views on topics beyond just aging. Before this course, I had a quite narrow view of the aging process, as well as the older community. Whether my perception was crafted by my social surrounding or the media I consumed, I too held various ageist beliefs. Some of those beliefs include assumptions of social isolation, beliefs surrounding possible incompetence, and generalizing their own beliefs to be not as progressive as I would personally want. Within these three weeks, I have already come to terms that a majority of my previously held beliefs are simply untrue. Not all older adults face social isolation, and even those that do are able to find ways of solace and/or joy within that state. Instead of perceiving older adults as being not as incompetent, I now have connected that to the role of having structural barriers to be able to function in everyday life. Furthermore, a lot of elders (both living and those who have passed) have paved the way regarding progressive ideology. I have been able to get these takeaways and further understand this community (and its intersectionality) through a variety of resources presented in the class. Happiness is a Choice You Make has done a great job cataloging the lived experiences of older adults, and has been transformational to my own views. As well to that, being able to discuss its content with the rest of my cohort has made the process more engaging and truly an act of community building.
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Kortni WashingtonKortni Washington is a Public Health major with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. She is Archives
March 2022
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