Keys to Quality of Life as We Age Part 2 - Stereotypes: What the Survey Says? by Stephanie Whitten
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?” Satchel Paige (1906-1982) In the Western World stereotypes drive our culture, especially perceptions of aging. During my time in school, I quickly realized what that meant to my younger counterparts and how they viewed me in class. I went over my experiences in the last article, Part 1 in this series. I know that there are some perceptions that we take on in our lives through others’ lenses, but there are subjective things that determine how we move and feel in our world. How we see ourselves and our self-concept is important. Is it more important how we see ourselves or how others see us? What defines what we accept internally from external cues, thoughts, or comments? Truth be told I felt some kinda way when no one wanted me to be their partner in gym or any other class that I had. I never had that issue on the playground growing up, but by nature I have gotten older. Now I am on the other side of the fence waiting on the sideline saying, “pick me, pick me”, so I will not be the last one left just to walk on to a team. Yes, I was in gym class playing dodgeball, kickball, tag, capture the flag, etc. With children that were half my age and I say children because I had some on their age!! I knew my ability and I found myself wanting to show what I could do, but not kill myself in the process. Even though I felt 25, I was 48. I could look in decent shape all I wanted, but the reality was that I was not 18 or 25 years old, hell, I was not even close to 30 “LOL” “LOL”. thecityinsightmag.com 20
