The more we reinforce the use of those words and the images they conjure, the more people see us in those terms.

Are we our own worst enemies?

As my wife and I get into our 70's (I'll be 72 in November, the wife 74), we are the victims of more and more stereotypes about older folks, and how they are treated, etc. My wife gets called "Dearie" by folks such as medical clerks, I get offers of help where it is not needed nor wanted, etc. People start to worry that I might fall, when I am perfectly steady. Exercise becomes classes mimicking children's play, but supposedly for adults. Our society promotes these stereotypes, as do we, even in this forum.