“Making fun of others only reflects your own insecurities; true confidence lies in uplifting others.” (author unknown)
(Note 3): Bob and Jack are best friends and meet at the park every week to play chess
Bob: You’re late you old fart
Jack: At least I’m not wearing Depends
Bob: Well at least I can walk fast enough so the pigeons don’t think I’m a statue and don’t have time to crap on me
Jack: Well at least pigeons don’t think I’m a wrinkled old raisin and try to eat me
Bob: Well at least people can tell my mouth from just another huge wrinkle
Jack: Well at least my face doesn’t scare my dog when I go home
Bob: Well at least you don’t have to ask me three times to repeat myself, like I do with you, and you talk so loud the trees shake because you can’t hear yourself
Jack: Well at least I have something important to say, instead of hearing your old grandiose stories over and over
Bob: Well at least …..what were we just talking about?
Jack: Who are you? I wasn’t talking to you anyway.
I came up this joke about eight years ago, making fun of myself and other seniors. Back then I appreciated a good joke or reading a humorous card. Now I feel like they could or will be talking about me, and that hurts! I am much more sensitive and try to be more aware about perpetrating stereotypes or misinformation about older adults.
EXERCISE:
Start thinking about how you are perpetuating myths, stereotypes, or misinformation about older adults-seniors, elders, geriatric. These are marginalized groups just like so many other groups that have been singled out in negative ways. The next time you laugh at a joke from someone about getting old, remember they could be laughing at you.
Until next time, don’t act your age!