The elderly †a group apart Essay Example for Free

The elderly – a group apart Essay One of the largest groups that are routinely dismissed or ignored is the part of the population known as the elderly. Because of their age, some people think that their ways or knowledge may be outdated, no longer of use to the technological present. Other people dismiss the elderly because of their own issues regarding aging. Being around a person who is 85 or 90 makes them face the reality that they will also be that age someday, and they are not ready to admit that. This is evident by the enormous amounts of money spent on anti-aging products and the increasingly busy plastic surgery industry. Unfortunately, when the general society ignores this section of the population, they fail to realize just what they are losing. If people dont attempt to learn from those who have learned the important lessons of life, then they are doomed to make the same mistakes. What the general public does not recognize is the amount of wisdom that the elderly have. They have seen the world change before their eyes, and have so many stories to tell. Generally, the elderly are thought of as boring, and tired. Yet, when one takes the time to really listen to them, friendships can be created, and knowledge exchanged. Just because an elderly person may not know what an i-pod is, does not mean that they cant teach something new. The elderly are the same people that they were when they were young. The only difference is the wisdom and life-knowledge that they have gained on the way. Their humor, personalities, likes and dislikes are the same, as is their need of love and acceptance, a need that we all possess. Aging is a stage that is part of life, and just because someone is aged, does not make them less important.