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Dianne Moore's avatar

Unfortunately, I felt uncomfortable around old ppl when I was young. Sometimes only experience teaches the lesson. I dislike being called young lady bc it reinforces that I m not. If only young ppl could treat us like ppl without ageism. Doubt it will happen.

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Crone at Large's avatar

OMG I could have written this and actually have in other places. On other FB pages. I am 71 going on 72 in a few days and I am so goddamned sick of being infantilized and treated like an incompetent old ninny I could scream. One of the things I find most irritating is when smarmy young men in their late teens and twenties call me “dear” and sweetheart and honey ad nauseum. I frequently say to them don’t call me that - I’m old enough to be your grandmother and you don’t know me from a hole in the wall. Young women as well. Yes I have gray hair and yes I use a walker but I also live alone, drive my own car, and have all my own marbles thank you. I also know that people are just trying to be nice and think they are being helpful or polite or whatever when they come across the parking lot to ask if I need help getting into my car while I am in the middle of folding up my walker. I try to be polite but finally I lost it the other day and said very pleasantly back to the woman - do I *look* like I need help? She just walked away in a huff. What do these people think poor ancient me does when they’re not around to help me? I’ve had people accidentally almost kill me by opening up a door behind me with no warning when I’m perfectly balanced against it to get my walker and me out easily. I almost fell hard backwards because I was put so off balance. I know they were just trying to help me. It’s amazing how some people will passionately support Trumpence’s efforts to destroy social security, Medicaid and all kinds of benefits to help children and people less fortunate than them, but they can’t wait to show how helpful they are to white-haired old women whom they assume must be in great need of their aid - not.

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