Sir, – I disagree every point Jacky Jones makes regarding ageism (HEALTHplus, November 15th). I am in my 80s and it’s such a joy to hear people remark “you look great” and “you are young at heart”. It never strikes me that they are being patronising. As far as I am concerned they are kind and thoughtful and put a spring in my step. Ms Jones remarked that a young waiter called her “love” and she admonished him – I would have given him a big tip!
I don’t know what age Ms Jones is, but I would hazard a guess that she is much younger that I am – most people are – but thank God I have good health. Growing old is a fact of life and we are all aware of bits falling off with the years.
On descending steps, if someone offers to help me, I may not need it, but thankfully accept it. A seat on a crowded bus is always welcome as are doors held open – although I am careful crossing the road in case a car hits me and a headline reads “Elderly lady knocked down”!
Ms Jones also wrote that strategies that affect old people include invisibility, tokenism, contempt, disdain and physical revulsion – good Lord – what circles does she move in? As long as I have lived, I have never come across even one of those strategies and I certainly have not led a sheltered life.
As an artist, mother of seven children and with 18 grandchildren, I have met all sorts of people: young and old, rich and poor and I never heard a patronising or offensive word about ageism. A sense of humour and a smile go an awfully long way. – Yours, etc,