HEROES EVERYWHERE
Hello and sorry for such a long silence from AgeWithMe.
We are all living with, and through, this global Covid-19 pandemic and I hope your experience of it has not been too painful. If it has touched your life with tragedy, you have my heartfelt sympathy. I know that some older citizens, many who live alone, have also experienced crushing loneliness as a result of the quarantine regulations.
This has been a time of huge challenge for us all and will continue to be so for the immediate future. Nevertheless, some people have found solace in the midst of the chaos. For some it has been a time of peaceful silence, cleaner air, creativity, and learning new skills – especially using information technology to stay in touch with family, friends and taking part in activities online. If I have learned one thing it has been that people have had a wide range of different experiences and reactions to the effects of this virus.
Throughout this period there have been evident signs of unwelcome ageism. However, to counter that, it has also been a time when seniors have come to the fore and smashed ageist stereotypes and negative imagery of older citizens.
One of the main ways that this has happened has been the number of retired doctors, nurses, and other specialists who have courageously stepped forward to be of service, at considerable and very real risk to themselves. They placed themselves in harm’s way and many have lost their lives. Everyone has looked up to these heroes with enormous respect. We admire and appreciate all health workers who are risking their lives because of this pandemic, it is an extra step to come out of safe retirement to do so.
Not only have these seniors been role models of courage and selflessness, they have also demonstrated how most older people are capable, competent, and fully able to function in demanding roles. They have given the lie to the image of elders that many younger people have in their minds. This can only be for the good of society in so many ways.
There have been, and are, heroes and heroines everywhere. We thank and bow to them.
