Senior Moments: Ageism disrespects the wisdom and guidance of our elders
Senior Moments: Ageism disrespects the wisdom and guidance of our elders The San Gabriel Valley Tribune
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Ageism: A Barrier to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
During my conversation with Mr. Moon, I couldn’t help but notice his timeless appearance. However, when I mentioned that he was “older than dirt,” he questioned why age should matter. This encounter made me reflect on the current political climate, where older age is often portrayed negatively. As we approach the upcoming elections, derogatory comments about seniors have become increasingly common. This article aims to shed light on the issue of ageism and its impact on society.
The Acceptance of Ageism
Ageist remarks, such as calling someone “senile” or “demented,” have gained popularity as campaign slogans and have unfortunately become more accepted in everyday life. It is disheartening to witness the term “older than dirt” being used as a derogatory slam. This normalization of ageism is concerning and requires our attention.
The Wisdom of Age
Having grown up with an immigrant Russian-Jewish grandmother who couldn’t speak English, I learned to appreciate the wisdom and advice that come with age. Through her actions, she taught me valuable life lessons. This appreciation continued into my adulthood when I taught poetry classes in retirement homes. The average age of my students was 85, and they took pride in sharing their skills and learning new ones. The experiences with my grandmother and these seniors have shaped my perspective on aging.
Challenging Ageist Attitudes
When I encounter ageist rudeness, I am reminded of my grandmother and the other influential women who have guided my understanding of aging. These grandmothers, though no longer with us, continue to inspire my Senior Moments column. It is important to recognize that age does not diminish a person’s worth or contributions to society.
Conclusion
Mr. Moon, you embody light, wisdom, and hope. Your accumulated years have earned you honor and adoration. Thank you for reminding us of the valuable lessons that come with age. Let us strive to challenge ageist attitudes and create a society that values and respects individuals of all ages.
Originally Published:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article addresses issues related to ageism and the negative stereotypes associated with older age. It emphasizes the importance of valuing the wisdom and contributions of older individuals, promoting their well-being, and combating age discrimination. These themes align with the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned above.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
The targets identified are relevant to the issues discussed in the article as they aim to promote well-being, education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions for all individuals, regardless of their age.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.4: Mortality rate from non-communicable diseases
- Indicator for SDG 4.3: Proportion of adults with access to tertiary education
- Indicator for SDG 5.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to discrimination
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of population with access to basic services, including health care, education, and social protection
- Indicator for SDG 16.6: Existence of independent national human rights institutions
While the article does not explicitly mention these indicators, they can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators provide measurable data to assess the extent to which the targets are being achieved.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Mortality rate from non-communicable diseases |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | Proportion of adults with access to tertiary education |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. | Proportion of women and girls subjected to discrimination |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Proportion of population with access to basic services, including health care, education, and social protection |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. | Existence of independent national human rights institutions |
Source: sgvtribune.com
