The Power of Words
Greg Mundy | November 17, 2009
The Beatles gave old age a number and an enduring image when they wrote “When I’m 64…” more than 40 years ago.
Of course 64 will always look old to anyone as young as they were then, but the baby boomer generation including Paul McCartney and Ringo Star, will now be first in line to say life at 60 plus isn’t just gardening, strolls and maybe holidays in a small cottage by the sea.
As we broach the second decade of the 21st Century, old age and even retirement is a world away from the Beatles’ halcyon days. Among other things we are living longer, working longer and retiring later, and increasingly not admitting to our advancing years.
When it comes to the words we use to describe this time in our lives, has it really changed to reflect this reality, or has it remained the same perpetuating a tired old stereotype?
There are the silver surfers, older folk who have taken to the internet with same zeal as their grandchildren, and grey nomads, retirees who have chosen to spend their hard earned dollars on having fun travelling instead of saving it to bestow on their children.
But what of the more generic words and terms used everyday, and how they impact on our perceptions of getting older, or actual old age?
“Aged Care” is a good example. Former South Australian Premier and the current Chief Executive of Anglicare, SA, Dr Lynn Arnold, remarked on the subject at the recent Arts, Ageing and Creativity Conference in Adelaide.
Dr Arnold queried the regular use of “care” in conjunction with “aged”, proposing that “aged living” rather than aged care might be a more appropriate and positive term. He also proffered the notion that aspirational living should be as much a part of our lives when we are older as it is when we are young.
Of course there isn’t another phase of our life on earth once we pass over, but there has to be some scope to change the language and therefore some of our expectations, and community perceptions about ageing.
“Old”, “aged” , “elderly”, “counting the days in God’s waiting room” and “wrinklys” all set the scene for rocking chairs, warm milk and a sing-a-long before we pass into the next realm. Hardly uplifting!
Senior, or seniors, is more positive, stronger and engenders respect without fatal overtones. Similarly masters and veterans commands reverence.
But these badges of honour do not flow to all of us. And while we are not all the same and nor should we be, the achievements of some senior individuals are often heralded (in the news media) as exceptions and treated with surprise rather than encouraged as aspirations: stories such as 100 year old athletes; veteran actors and musicians still doing what they love; trekkers and mountain climbers for whom there is always another conquest.
Stories of individual feats can and probably do play a role in changing people’s views and determination; at a time in our lives when we need words to inspire and encourage us.
The Federal Government is doing its bit by endeavoring to promote better health regimes for everyone in the community to encourage longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The healthier we are the greater our options for more aspirational living as we age.
Technology has come to the party with electronic diagnostic systems, automated devices to help around the home and there are moves towards enshrining minimum standards for accessible housing for which we have been strong advocates.
To get things moving on the word/attitude front here are some suggestions: NGAY (not getting any younger); experienced youth; mature aged; seasoned; VEPs (very experienced person/people); OWs (Older and Wiser) or another personal favourite seen recently printed on a T-Shirt at a North East Victorian winery, Aged to Perfection.
I can see the headlines now: "VEPs call for new world order" or "OWs set their sights on fun".
Ageing is inevitable (all things being equal) and VEPs need to have their voices heard on how they see the future.
Old people are young people who have been around for a long time (AKA as VEPs), which is how I would like to be thought of as I age. And how I would like to be cared for, when I’m 64! Not as someone in “God’s waiting room” and I am sure I will want a valentine, birthday greetings and a bottle of wine.
Greg Mundy is the Chief Executive of Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) the national peak body for providers of residential care, community care and housing for older people. Greg has an extensive background in the aged and community care sector and in the broader health and human services field with a strong commitment to the development of the aged care sector and its capacity to provide high quality services that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Greg has a background in policy making in Government and holds a master’s degree in sociology from the Australian National University. He was born in England and educated in England, New Zealand and Australia.
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les pickett
December 8, 2009 at 8:18 am
The Power of Words
Greg – would rather be an old person rather tha a dead person. Not really sure that age is not primarily a mental state.
Les Pickett
Greg Mundy
December 9, 2009 at 7:38 am
The Power of Words
One thing you can certainly say about getting older is that it’s better than the alternatives!