Why are people so intolerant of the elderly?

Question

People just push and shove them out of the way. They get annoyed when they have to repeat something to them because of hearing issues. What's the problem. You'll be old one day too, if you're that lucky.

Answer 1

You are so right.... we are so busy being busy that we don't care about the elderly... I wouldn't want my mother treated like that and I wouldn't want to be either... thanks for the reminder

Answer 2

I believe that there are rude, impatient, people of all ages. There are also compassionate, courteous people of all ages.

I don't think it is simply people being intolerant of the elderly, these intolerant folks behave badly towards everyone. Remember the bullies we encountered when we were growing up....well, they are still around and they now have kids and grandkids. I believe that people do not learn compassion, respect, or courteous behavior unless they have exerienced these things themselves.

My mom has become very frail and unsteady due to some deformities caused by severe osteoporosis. Our family physically surrounds here when we are out in public to protect her from being jostled. My experience has been that people tend to be distracted or thoughtless, rather than intolerant or rude. To be honest, most of the times I've been bumped by a shopping cart or jostled while standing in line, it has been by an elderly person. While I understand that these things happen, it is rare that I hear an apology from these bumpy encounters...no matter how I react (not at all, turn and smile "are you ok", a simple smile and nod, etc.). Twice now, I've had the skin peeled off the back of my foot by an elderly person jamming a cart into me while waiting in a grocery line....without a word of apology or a 'pardon' me. So, I think that tolerance, or civil behavior, is a two way street.

My husband and my mother-in-law both have hearing deficits. It is very frustrating for both of them. I've truly admired the way they've both become comfortable telling people what they need. They say things like "I have a hearing problem, would you say that again, while looking at me and slowly." Responding the way they do has put even the busiest person at ease and they are usually treated very well.

Answer 3

The reason is and it is quite a sad one is that we live in such a "rush rush" world. the pace of life is to do so much so quickly. We are all so busy working, or going to school or just doing the daily chores and errands of life. We are always so used to being in such a rush that we have no time for anyone who is slow.

Also in our society we do not really have respect for people who are older than us. We do not take the time to listen to teh wisdom of the elderly. We look upon them as objects to be pushed out of the way instead of taking the time to talk to them I was at a friends house one time and there was a neighbor across the street who was an old man who had a knee replacement and walked very slow. One day I struck up a conversation and I have had several more in the ensuing months and I found out so much about the history of the town becasue he had been born there and he is now 86 years old. I have gotten a lot of pleasure from some of these conversations and it made me realize that I should take the time out to not be in such a rush and to be more respectful of older people because I will one day, sooner than I care to think, will be that age and I hope younger people will want to share time and or conversation with me.

Answer 4

I have never seen anyone push elderly people around. I
wouldn't stand still if I did. I'd probably get myself into a fracas
if that happened. I can't stand for injustice of any kind the older I get.
I know younger people can get short on nerves when they
drive behind an elderly person who's head you barely can
see when you are driving by, after being stuck behind them
for a few blocks. But they should remind themselves, that one
day, they too will be in that same spot. Well maybe not behind
the wheel, but in someones' way. I have to remind my hubby
of that. He gets miffed when someone is driving too slow or
maybe a bit erratic, and yells they shouldn't be behind the
wheel. I know it's very hard for them to give up their indepen-
dance when they have to eventually turn their car keys over.
But there does come a time, when their safety has to be as
much considered as the other drivers' out there. And granted
there are those who can admit they've had enough of the
hustle and bustle of those young ones always in a hurry to get
no where fast LOL.
I know yesterday I had to get out to pick up a pair of new
glasses (more like the ones in my avatar, since they are
black), and my hubby let me off in front of the mini mall while
he went to park. So I didn't walk in very far, so I could look out
the door and windows for him. I was using my cane, since
my leg and hip were bothering me, and I guess I was too
close to a side door where a young black man was entering.
He was dressed business like with a raincoat, and carrying
an umbrella and a case of some kind. He must have thought
I was watching him enter, instead of looking behind him at
my approaching hubby. For when he passed by me, under
his breath, he said, the B word, which I won't use here for
obvious reasons. I did a double take when I heard that. I
mentioned that to my hubby when he walked in, and it 't'd
him off. So he said the "n" word in the guys' direction. The
guy turned and looked down the corridor, but I was glad there
was no altercation. There wasn't any excuse for hubby's
bad behavior either.
Many other upsets occurred yesterday, so I sure didn't
need one more piece of negativity. Whew!
But honestly, I think that was the first time in my life, I've
ever had anyone so obviously rude to me. And I don't look
that old. But I suppose I did look a bit wobbly on my feet.
Hence the cane for balance.

Answer 5

I'm not intolerant of the elderly. I have a great deal of respect for the aged....and even though their body may fail them at times I understand its not their fault and one day it may be me in the same position. They still have more knowledge and experience in life and more interesting stories to tell, that I could possibly imagine. They could have been brought up during the war, or fought in the war,either way they have my utmost admiration and respect. I always treat others the way I would like to be treated myself, if everyone made this the rule the world would be such a better place for everyone to live.

Answer 6

There is little to no understanding when in comes to our senior citizens. The young,( not all, and please know I am not putting all young people into this category) have very little tolerance for slow moving seniors that can't speak well because of either a stroke, or just can't get their thoughts together fast enough, they move slowly due to, again, stroke, just simply being arthritic, and of course the hearing issue. When young people are on the fast track of life, they have little time for the elderly. Unless one is brought up to respect their elders, whether it is grandma or grandpa or great, they just don't get it. Again, not all young people fall into this category, however, sadly there are a lot of people, young and middle age that have a low tolerance for anyone that is considered a senior. I truly believe it is the way one is raised; either showing respect or not, seniors should be respected, they paid their dues in life.

Answer 7

Hearing problems can be especially frustrating for both parties. I have a hearing problem and there is such a huge difference between having hearing aids and not wearing them. I get frustrated by people who obviously need hearing aids, but won't admit it. Or with the people who have them in, but turn them off - thus rendering them ear plugs! I don't push people out of the way, and I try to communicate respectfully, but it is difficult sometimes.

Answer 8

We are selfish animals like most species. Many animals are eaten by their comrades on becoming feeble. We too as carnivores harbour similar genetic programming I believe. Thats why a 17 year old finds a 70 year old unattractive for example. At the youger age one is programmed to see a bright eye or tight rear end as attractive. Of course nowadays people have few moral codes to adhere to in western culture. Cultures that were formerly peasant in nature enforce stricter controls on the minds of their youth. Elders in this case are respected. Bottom line....blame our greed is good style culture, and desperate illiterate youth.

Answer 9

It is my considered opinion that society treats it's older Citizens this way out of fear.

Deep inside, they know that eventually, they're going to grow old and there's at best, a 50% probability that they're going to end up just like those they are so intolerant of. They do it at this age, simply because they can do it. It's cruel and inhumane. It also shows their unmitigated lack of self-discipline and human compassion. The sad thing is, what comes around, goes around, and they don't even consider this. It's a fact of life!

Answer 10

In my opinion, the young feel the older become more stupid instead of the other way around. I believe as you become older you are wiser but inevitably know there are many more questions than answers. It seems the young have all the answers and too few questions. Insensitivity runs rampant in this faster paced world. No one has time for the sick, lame and elderly. Thank goodness we do not live in a society that puts you away because you are old...yet!

Answer 11

i find it to be just the opposite the elderly are very set in their ways and don't like anything different so i'd say the elderly are very intolerant of others who are younger.........i live in a retirement community i am nearing 60 and take my word for it in general the elderly are mean.