Cites an article in 'Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry' in which Ruth
Harriet Jacobs makes recommendations for women's late-life renaissance.
Don't internalize negative images of older women; Do things you never had
time for; Don't give up your job; Stay physically active.
By
PT Staff, published on May 01, 1994
Aging
It's hard growing older in a culture that refuses to accept aging.
For women, the challenge is doubled--they're ignored entirely.
The understandable response is rage, insists gerontologist Ruth
Harriet Jacobs, Ph.D. But she advocates another approach entirely: be
outrageous.
Sure, older women are frustrated, ignored, hurt, and treated as
second-class citizens. Still, she says, you can choose to reject negative
stereotypes of aging and make life more enjoyable and productive than
ever.
In a recent report in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Jacobs
puts forth recommendations for late-life renaissance:
o Do not internalize negative images of older women. Instead, look
around at the real, wonderful, older women.
o Start volunteering, creating, traveling, expressing political
views, and doing the things you never had time for. It is time to live
for you.
o Let go of guilt and overnurturance and be your own first
priority. You've really earned it!
o Don't give up your job. Age discrimination worsens every year of
a woman's life.
o Keep up your female friendships--don't overrely on your
spouse.
o Stay active to avert physical impairment.
PHOTO: Older woman on roller skates.
Tags:
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