It sort of creeps up on you. You look at people who look older then you do but then you realize the truth, I am a senior citizen. I qualify for a government pension. I get discounts at certain stores on certain days. I can get a seniors medical card.
Now that I am a senior, how am I supposed to act? Will my children or others think I am too old and want to do things for me. But, I don’t feel any different then I did before that birth date arrived. What if I continued being who I was and doing what I did. Is there anything or anyone saying that I can’t.
I remember when my mom was my age and I was in my mid forties, She looked old and I was always concerned for her even though her health was good and she lived alone. My in-laws looked old and I was concerned when they dId things that I felt they should not be doing at their age.
Now, I am there. A senior citizen….. How will things be different now? What will people expect from me?
I have to be frank, I am a Christian so I recall some verses relating to how older people were to be treated and respected.
1 Timothy 5:1
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers,
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength,
And the honor of old men is their gray hair.
Titus 2:2
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
What does ChatGpt have to say in AI about seniors? My question was,
What do people expect from seniors
The response
- Wisdom and Guidance: Seniors are often expected to share their life experiences and wisdom with younger generations, offering guidance and advice based on their accumulated knowledge.
- Family Support: Seniors may be expected to provide support and care for family members, particularly grandchildren or aging relatives, either emotionally, financially, or through caregiving responsibilities.
- Volunteerism and Community Involvement: Many seniors engage in volunteer work or community activities, contributing their time and skills to various causes and organizations.
- Active Lifestyle: There’s an increasing expectation for seniors to maintain an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally, through activities such as exercise, hobbies, continuing education, and social engagement.
- Financial Stability: Seniors are often expected to manage their finances responsibly, including retirement savings and estate planning, to ensure their own well-being and potentially leave a legacy for future generations.
- Role Models: Seniors may serve as role models for younger individuals, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a positive outlook on life despite the challenges of aging.
- Adherence to Cultural Norms: Depending on cultural norms, seniors may be expected to fulfill specific roles or responsibilities within their families or communities, such as maintaining traditions or passing down cultural heritage.
It’s important to recognize that these expectations can vary widely, and not all seniors may fit into these roles or fulfill these expectations. Each individual’s experience of aging is unique, and it’s essential to approach seniors with respect, empathy, and appreciation for their diverse backgrounds and contributions.
