This essay is by Sherri Weiss, a member of Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging’s Community Advisory Committee
“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become
the person you always should have been.”
–David Bowie, singer/songwriter
The pandemic we’re living through offers many of us a luxury – some time to reflect. As a 66-year-old boomer, I’m much nearer the “population at most risk” from the coronavirus than I am younger people who have adopted the meme “Ok Boomer.” This meme is double-edged; I laugh at some examples and, yet, I must remind myself that I’m part of the older people target. How did that happen?!
The life led by boomers differs from the silent and greatest generations, but aging stereotypes affect all generations. I believe the American public has the ingenuity to create policies and practices for an age-integrated society that benefits us now and into the future. We have a ways to go to achieve that reality.
Since grade school, I have sought the wisdom of earlier generations. I love older people! A lot of my reflection lately has been about ageism. As noted by the FrameWorks Institute, “Ageism is discrimination based on prejudices about age.” We might recognize ageism in the workplace and in health care policies. But also consider ageism in how communities typically design housing, transportation, and public spaces.
In this current pandemic, consider the potential rationing of health care based on age or older people being asked to return to work as a sacrifice for the economic good. And as the stay-at-home order moves to Stay Safe MN, people 65+ will be asked to continue staying at home, which means isolation for many. Right now, how we value lives is front and center, and it can be a slippery slope.
True or False:
- We continually change as we age, and each life stage has positive happenings.
- The energy and experience that we build as we age help move our personal and community connections forward.
- We are all equal members of society, wanting to fully participate in all parts of life.
- If we seize the opportunity to reframe aging policies and practices, we can make the most of Americans living longer and healthier lives.
I believe all are true, and today, more than ever, truth matters.
Okay, back to this pandemic. As a Minnesotan, I am unabashedly proud of all the community-based organizations like MAAA that have adapted their work with older adults and their caregivers in ordinary times to supporting and advocating for their wholeness in this extraordinary time. And I applaud boomer leaders in Minnesota like Penny Wheeler, President and CEO, Allina Health; Jan Malcolm, Commissioner, MN Department of Health; Paul Mattessich, Executive Director, Wilder Research; and Michael Osterholm, Director, U of MN Center of Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Respectively, they are in the forefront of evidence-based response to the coronavirus in health care settings, in public health strategy, in research on health and economic prosperity, and in education on infectious disease threats. I want these vital leaders in our midst for a long time to come.
Author J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame wrote, “We’re all human, aren’t we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving.” There’s nothing in her sentiment about age, race, gender, economic class, and so on. I hope that our collective experience during this pandemic and beyond will compel us to fully embrace this truth.
