What Is Old?

In 1982, Peter Wotton broadcast five Elderberry Wine commentaries on the subject "What is  Old?"  The commentaries were typical of those Wotton would broadcast over the next sixteen years.  They were concerned with defining what it means to be old, debunking stereotypes, and boosting the self-image of older people.  Wotton also often related the topic to his own personal and professional experiences, to books he has read, to national politics, and to local events and services in Eugene and Lane County. The last of the five commentaries in the "What is Old?" series is printed below.

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What is Old?
#24 -- November 17, 1982

This is the fifth and last of a series of Elderberry Wine broadcasts exploring the question “What is Old?”  We've looked at the history of ageism, we've discussed the importance of a positive self -image, we've seen how our values can help us control our lives, and we've wondered whether constant criticism of what is new and different around us is really productive.  Back to the question: “What is Old?” 

The definition of "old" depends on who is doing the defining. Someone who is sold on the values of the industrial society, for example, might see "oldhood" as a real liability. To the very young, old can seem somehow alien and incomprehensible. A child or young person finds it hard to imagine growing old, and can certainly manage to avoid really confronting the idea. 

To a middle-aged person, old age can be quite frightening. When a man's father dies, for example, he is often faced with the reality that his turn is next. Or a woman, knowing the statistical probabilities, may face old age in growing fear of being left alone by the death of her mate. 

Perhaps some of the greatest damage done to our image is done by the very people who claim to have our interests most at heart. I'm referring to those who consider themselves advocates for the elderly. In order to make an impact on decision makers like legislators and bureaucrats and on the public at large, these advocates, many of them senior citizens themselves, keep stressing the needs of the elderly, thereby picturing us as especially needy. Dramatization of our plight makes people feel sorry for us. I agree that many of us need help, but it's unfortunate that to get that help we all have to be labeled as needy. 

A 1979 survey of Lane County residents age 60 and over found that 88 percent owned their own homes. Fifty-four percent had seen a physician one or less times in the previous six months. Almost 89 percent had not been hospitalized during the previous six months; and nearly 80 percent said they could perform a standard list of daily activities without help. More recent studies show that less than three percent of Lane County residents 65 and older are in nursing homes or any other type of institution. 

So instead of emphasizing the needy elderly, we could as well be saying that the vast majority of us are in relatively good health, basically self-sufficient economically (largely thanks to Social Security), and by our own account happier than people of other ages. If you want a picture of the functioning elderly, just notice how many of the cars that go by are driven by people with white hair and weathered faces. 

So how can we change the image of old people in Lane County? We can change it by holding our heads up; by remembering that we are all basically lovable and capable; by taking responsibility for our own lives; by relaxing our criticism so that we can participate fully in what is going on; and by realizing that other people have reasons for defining "old" according to their own value systems. 

As for me, I'll do my part by continuing to ride my bicycle, and by whistling a lot. I'm a good whistler.