Older Adults Honored Through Dance (Research, Video 2:02)

I have witnessed outstanding young people displaying great kindness toward older adults on many occasions. But I have also viewed lots of young people on the Internet in so-called funny videos mimicking older adults in the most insensitive ways. Stereotypes were used in the extreme with language and graphics defying human decency. In addition, some young adults are guilty of mistreating older adults in terms of crime, service, and general courtesy.

If young adults really appreciated the sacrifices that were made for them by previous generations, not just in their own families, but society in general, perhaps they would understand that many of these older adults are entitled to far more respect than they are receiving from them. Unfortunately, when many older adults who are treated unfairly due to their aging, they develop negative views about themselves. A study on aging “reflects the importance of positive views on aging as a resource for a healthy old age despite aging in precarious circumstances.”

This amazing video with young adult dancers celebrates the love and vibrancy of older aging. Keone and Mariel Madrid, dance choreographers who are a young married couple, perform a routine as an older couple to Bob Marley's "Is This Love?” Like the song says, older adults just want to be loved and treated right.  Who doesn’t?

Frances Shani Parker, Author

Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
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