Too Slow, Too Old and a Burden
The blog below was written after a day of smiling at people in the street and either the response was one of people staring back with a deadpan look or people were in their 'island' state: earphones in, iPod in pocket, texting with one hand and trying to take a photo on their iPad either of themselves or somebody or something else. If only they could take stock of what they are doing. Taking this ‘picture’ and writing down the experience was a way of forming another ‘picture!’
The title reflects an image full of negativity, of people intellectually, emotionally and physically challenged often feeling useless and worthless. This image is how it appears the world views older people against a fast-moving, younger, more energetic people pushed to their limits with ever-changing, ever more complex electrical and technological advancements. It is a world where all ages from cradle to grave are expected to compete and overtake so that those who are slower and older become overtaken, and labelled a burden. Older people are classed as economically demanding and a drain on ever-decreasing resources, mainly related to professional, voluntary and financial services. Those slower, older and burdensome individuals are shown by governments, media outlets, and by service commissioners and providers as a massive homogenous 'problem.' It is not surprising that those slower, older and burdensome people become seen as 'objects' to be taken control of and kept waiting or moved about in the hope that while decisions are being made that somehow those 'objects' will be shelved, lost sight of or disappear in transit.
As not so slow older people struggle to support much slower, much older people, often intellectually, emotionally and physically slower, technology continues to advance. New road and rail initiatives are being designed to take ever greater numbers of people faster through our countryside so that they can work longer hours with supposedly higher and faster through-puts and outcomes. Perhaps they will not survive long enough to become older , slower people.
Yet, slower, older and so-called 'burdensome' people take the strain in grand parenting responsibilities, remain in work teaching younger people the intricacies of their profession, use their retirement years to contribute to voluntary sector initiatives and add spending power to the economic life of this country. So much for being slower, older and a burden. 'Older' doesn't necessarily mean slower and a burden and even those who are slower can, when actively listened to, valued, have self-esteem and basic needs adequately met, experience wellbeing, and enjoy fulfilling and productive lives. I know because I come into that group of slower, older people but no-one is allowed to call me a burden!
Ann Macfarlane
November 2013
