If we have negative judgments about the elderly, it's because we fear what we don't understand about them...and about us. Here is a short film featuring some groovy eminence grises rockin' to the beat.
Before you watch the video, take a moment to jot down your thoughts about the elderly, or about growing older. Some examples:
"Elderly people are needy."
"Old people have no energy."
"Old people are unattractive."
"Growing old is sad."
"Elderly people are disgusting."
"Elderly people are scary."
"Old people are boring."
"The elderly are a burden."
"I'll be alone when I am old."
"When I grow old, my body will cease to function."
"I am getting old."
"I am too old to _________."
"I am old, and it means that __________."
"Old people are cute." (This could be a stressful thought if it's condescending, or if you are objectifying old people rather than relating to them as your own self.)
After you watch the video, you may want to do The Work on the thoughts that continue to disturb you.
©2007 by Carol L. Skolnick; all rights reserved.
2 comments:
Oh my God! This is fabulous!!!!
Carol, I love this! I once saw on TV (I wonder if it is the same group) an elderly chorus singing Guns 'n' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle." Look up the lyrics to that and you'll see what a stereotype-breaker that was.
Great fun! Go, old folks!
Karin
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