In Race Matters, author Cornel West argues that we have never had a sustained, national dialogue on the subject of race. While I believe this is true, I would also argue that we have never really talked about the aging process as a nation. And we need to.
Just like race can rub us the wrong way, so can age. It is a concern, some would even call it a problem or challenge. And like race, age cannot be analyzed in a vacuum. In any discussion of age, we need to be aware of our cultural lens, and its impact on our views, our feelings, and our convictions. For example, culture helps explain the recent initiative by Pfizer and other health advocacy groups. Earlier this week, Pfizer released results of a national survey on aging, from early in the life course to “old age,” whatever that is. Moreover, Pfizer created a Web site (www.GetOld.com) so you and I can share our thoughts and get information about getting old. Why? Because in our culture, it is difficult to talk about age face-to-face.
In our culture, aging is relative. We love to see pictures of movie stars who are about our age but look “older” than us. According to the poll cited earlier, 60% of those 50 to 64 feel they look five years or more younger than their age. Gee, what a surprise. We live in a culture that emphasizes keeping our youthful looks, staying fit, and delaying old age at all costs.
39 percent feel “optimistic” about getting old, but 36 % were “uneasy” about that. 23% said they were “prepared.” What about those of us who are optimistic, uneasy, and prepared?
Not surprisingly, our priorities change as we get old. 18 to 34-year olds aspire to make $1 million. Not so with those over 65. They have other priorities, such as their children and grandchildren. And we are less apt to lie about our age as we get older.
Few over 65 said their biggest fear was dying. Again, culture is at work. In many cultures, living beyond 65 years of age is a rarity. In the U.S., many take our longevity for granted, especially given a life expectancy that approaches or even exceeds 80 years of age in some parts of the U.S.
Talking about aging is a good thing, especially if we clear up some of our misconceptions, arm ourselves with knowledge, and share our concerns and hopes. However, let us be mindful that aging is a cultural as well as an individual, biological phenomenon. Keeping this in mind will provide us with fresh insight and some much-needed perspective.