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Old folks Ghettos are not my style.
I want to raise a question today. It’s one I have danced around but never faced head on. I don’t like the idea of segregating ‘plder’ people in ghettos. I abhore the idea of a ‘community’ for seniors, protected from the real world. I don’t want to live in a place where ‘old’ is the norm and everything is designed to put no challenge to people with age related disabilities. It bothers me that people choose to segregate themselves from real life and retreat to a place where they can be taken care of. But at least those communities are self selecting. You are free to retreat from life- or not. It may be what you want but don’t look for me in Sun City.
But what about the Senior Care Facilities?
What I haven’t faced is the forced institutionalization of the elderly when they require more substantial support. Some people see this as being like slavery. They view the entire process as evil and challenge those who try to modify current practices to make them more humane as similar to reformers who said about slavery that we only need to reform it, not end it. Those reformers argured that slavery is not so bad if we make sure that people arn’t beaten and they get better quarters. Nobody today would make that argument about slavery. No respectable person would even think that there is anything good about slavery, yet 150 years ago, moderate, respectable people said those things and felt good about themselves.
Opening eyes about what’s wrong with how we treat old people
Changing Aging is a website that presents ideas about the aging process and society. I follow it to keep aware of new thinking and medical advances. Dr. Bill Thomas asks a serious question about the treatment of old people. He questions the moral foundation of the old age homes that we have long accepted as necessary and positive institutions. He relates them to slavery and suggests that reforming them is a mirage. I don’t know where he is taking this but there will be a series of three posts with videos to make his case. I’m definitely interested. You should be too.
Part two Dr. Bill suggests bulldozer therapy for old folks homes.
And Part Three- Aboloshing the Old Age Assylum.
Ralph — I enjoyed your welcome video and honor the thoughtfulness you’ve taken on your journey into elderhood. I look forward to following your blog.
The second part of Dr. Thomas’ posts on the Old Age Asylum is now up: http://changingaging.org/blog/2011/05/09/abolishing-the-old-age-asylum-part-2-bulldozer-therapy/
I would also like to invite you to submit your blog to the ChangingAging Blogstream: http://changingaging.org/join-up/submit-a-blog/
Kavan, Aging is just another phase of life. There are opportunities and challenges. It’s a time to matter and focus on what you have learned during life. And it’s your last chance.
Hey Ralph,
Has been a while since I last visited.
Your blog has not changed…still great information.
The debate about caring for the aged in an instituation has many for and against the practice.
Sometimes it appears as the only option available … when one partner gets to the stage where the other just is not capable of looking after their partner.
What would then be the alternative?
I don’t think there is a quick fix.
Cheers
Bryan
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Bryan
Glad to have you back, I don’t know the answer but I am very interested to see where this is going. I think part of the problem is that we so easily accept the status quo as ok rather than seeking something better. And I also think that old people are not given a priority in the process. It is more about not inconveniencing the not-old.
Hi Ralph/Readers:
I’ve worked in long-term care for twenty years, and I couldn’t agree with you more. The segregation of our elders-and they really are OUR elders and this sick society, yes, U.S., must claim them again or continue to suffer the consequences-actually hurts US as much as it hurts THEM.
In Africa they have a saying: “When an Elder dies it’s like a library burning down.” I think this is true, and even UNDERSTATES the loss, because words and books are not humans. In our society, these precious humans are treated worse than most house pets.
So imagine where we would be if we took all the books and placed them away in some walled depository where no one could access them anymore…
Imagine how lacking the young kids are when they can’t receive grandma and grandpa’s love and affection…and guidance and wisdom…
Imagine how much the adult children lose when they can’t be with their dying parent at the end of their life…not to mention the effect on the dying parent not having his/her child present at that time…
And so on, and so on…I’m sure you get the picture. Now we need to make sure everyone else gets it.
Thanks,
~Charlie
Charles,
I going on instinct here. I know what I want and it’s not an old folks home. What can we do to change things? Or begin to open people up to new thinking?
Ralph, my answer to ageing is to ignore it and carry on as usual. When bad health hits us then that’s another story and one there is no easy solution to.
Some excellent points in Charles Macknee’s reply.
Bill
Bill,
I’m with you. Fight it all the way.
This is a wonderful post. For many years I have asked the same question. It never made sense to take and hide older people away. This is what it seems like when society thinks it is too much of a burden to look at and help the frail elderly.
No matter how nice the old age home seems, it is a jail. To reside in a old age home isn’t a choice for the person involved. When the place isn’t first rate it really is cruel and unusual punishment for reaching a grand old age. You can call it long term care, but that isn’t quite what it is.
Blanche,
It’s more than a jail. It’s a place hide old people. They can be so annoying you know.