Did you know that it was the International Day of Older Persons on the 1st of October 2016? The below shows some excerpts from the speech of Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations on the matter of ageism. You can read his entire speech on the UN website.
 
He strongly condemns ageism and even goes as far as comparing it to a violation of human rights.
“I condemn ageism in all its forms and call for measures to address this violation of human rights as we strive to improve societies for people of all ages. This demands to change the way the elderly are portrayed and perceived, from being seen as a burden to being appreciated for the many positive contributions they make to our human family...

Most of us were told by our parents to respect our elders, including our parents and grandparents. However, it often becomes apparent that as adults we may be the biggest hypocrites. While was teaching our children to respect towards others, we find ourselves losing patience or showing signs of annoyance towards our now elderly parents, often over trivial matters like having to explain something numerous times or getting irritated as some conversations seem long winded and may include information we already know.

I have indeed found myself getting frustrated with my parents now and then; I think this is only normal and may not even be related to their age. But as people age it is easy to deflect this frustration and blame “their age” rather than just a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication of both parties involved.

We nearly expect some information that comes from someone in their 70’s or 80’s to be less accurate, reliable and even valid than information we are given from someone closer to our age. I honestly wonder why this is, as thinking back, I have certainly been guilty of this in the past and have later felt ashamed of my thoughts especially when found untrue.

A study released in September 2016, assesses the way people aged 60 years and older are portrayed in the top 100 films of 2015. Amongst other findings it is reported that seniors aren’t only underrepresented, but also mischaracterized and de meant by ageist language and themes.

• Out of 57 films that featured a leading or supporting senior character, 30 featured ageist comments — that’s more than half of the movies. Quotes included characters being referred to as “a relic,” “a frail old woman” and “a senile old man.”

• Only 29.1 percent of on-screen leading or supporting characters aged 60 or older engaged with technology, whereas 84 percent of ageing Americans report that they use the internet weekly.

• Of the senior characters that died on screen, 79.2 percent of deaths were a result of physical violence — such as being shot, stabbed or crushed. This does not accurately reflect causes of death for the ageing population, which are heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

I can’t help feeling like this misrepresentation and stereotyping of the elderly has had some influence on my own personal unwanted, unintentional and unconscious ageism.
Television portrayal of elders is just the same as the one in the movies and is also as disrespectful and adverse.
I think it is most important that we are all aware of our actions and the actions of people around us and of what message we are sending to the next generation. We are all part of this problem, and while it is very encouraging to hear the progress and awareness that is being brought to the topic of ageism, I think truly every one of us is to blame and every one of us can make a difference. Why not start by being more aware of our thoughts and mannerisms when dealing with our parents or family friends. Lets set a good example for our children and avoid being hypocrites and sending them conflicting messages.

How would you like to be treated later in life?