Baltimore

Elders

In our country, the proportion of the population aged sixty-five years and older is projected to double from 35 million in 2000 to 71 million by 2030, 20.6% of the population. That is seven years from today. I see them and I want you to see them too.

The value of our elderly is determined, in part, by the values and perceptions of our community. The perceptions we develop are often based on stereotypes provided by the media. Information portrays the aging population as a homogeneous group, described as impoverished, mentally and physically feeble, possessing knowledge irrelevant to our current emotional, social and political needs. They are seen as a reminder of our final act, death, and the reality of goals unachieved.

Although these issues are relevant to the aging process, they are not reflective of the whole person or every older person. Often overlooked when defining “old age”, are the personal resources, developed over a lifetime, that emerge when faced with the challenges of aging. Spiritual richness and dignity in spite of challenges is not uncommon. Achievement and satisfaction can occur regardless of disability. And a sense of self and solitude can be maintained in the face of isolation.