For some reason, many people look at older members of society as fragile beings who need to be handled with white gloves. Sometimes, they get annoyed that they are treated so differently, along with a variety of other things .
Many people who are older do not like being looked at as “slower” or “dumb” if they don’t understand things the way younger generations do . And, now, they’re spilling things so you can act accordingly.
Don’t pity them.
hiitsnicetomeetyou said that it’s a shame that whenever an older person is eating out alone in public, we pity them and feel as though they are alone, lonely, or a widow. Sometimes, people like to just eat out alone!
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Don’t shame them for not knowing technology.
“If they ask you a question about how to use an app on their phone, for god’s sake just help them and keep the jokes to yourself!! It’s amazing that they are still trying to learn and improve themselves at their age,” shared MimiS .
Rock what you love.
witchyribbon84 shared her grandmother had multiple ear piercings and also wore bright makeup and didn’t care what everyone thought about her. Some people think that older people are “crazy old ladies” if they rock what they love.
Let them have fun, too.
“Anything they’re enjoying that doesn’t hurt someone else. Whether it’s participating in TikTok trends or still using Facebook when it’s considered outdated, let people live and have fun how they want without negative commentary,” shared melaniet12 .
Don’t be mad when they give advice.
tripawedbear said that too many people get angry with their parents and grandparents when they give advice, even though they are older, they still know things. They usually give advice because they are here to care for you and want to help you.
When they use cash.
“Using cash! I mean, it’s real money. Using it at stores means the store doesn’t have to pay the service charge from a card, and most of the time it’s quicker than using a card! Cash is cool,” said melissaw4c75d8be8 .
Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions.
chasingsmiles said people have to stop judging older individuals for having different opinions and thinking a different way than the younger generation. Clearly, they come from a different place, they are entitled to think differently about things.
So what if they use one finger to text?
“Please stop making fun of us for using our index finger to text! Why are you so pressed about it?! I make so many more mistakes when I use my thumbs, and my fingernails are long, so using my thumbs doesn’t work well anyway,” said vw71squareback .
Some older people are “sheltered.”
haleym8 said it’s not always fair to judge older individuals for being “detached” or out of touch with reality and the world. Some of them are sheltered and kept isolated by their families and their loved ones.
Don’t talk for them.
Another person said that many old people are a bit slower and that does not mean that they want you to think for them or finish their sentences for them, either. Give them time and let them get places on their own.
Some of them are gamers.
ladynightfyre shared that young kids shouldn’t be shaming older people for playing video games. Some of them find that to be a way to pass time or even hobbies for them. It’s the kids that make fun of them that ruin it for them.
Wearing diapers is fine.
Another shared that making fun of older people for needing diapers is cruel. Eventually, we may all get to a place where we need diapers to get by. There’s no need or reason to shame someone.
Needing assistance to get around is normal.
“Needing mobility aides and moving slower. Really, no one of any age should be made to feel lesser or ashamed of needing a cane, wheelchair, crutches, or any sort of support in general,” said pks0 .
Don’t shame them for going out to eat early.
Who doesn’t love to go out to eat at a reasonable hour? Sometimes, people love those early bird special deals. You don’t have to poke fun at them. It’s pretty much like going to happy hour—except, for food!
Last but not least, don’t yell at them.
“Saying ‘What?’ repeatedly. They literally cannot hear you, which is frustrating. Asking what you said again and again until they understand is because they WANT to understand. They want to hear what you said. Be patient. Slow down. Be kind,” shared another.
