Reader Writes about Frustration with Well-Meaning but Overly Protective Family
Dear Carol: I’m a 75-year-old widow who is tired of being bossed around. I know you’ve addressed this before, but I think it needs repeating. My situation: On the one hand, my grown children are aware that I’m healthy and independent. On the other, they keep pushing me to move into a supportive living situation where I’d have help available. Being a widow makes this worse. Yet, I can out-walk many younger people, garden extensively, and I volunteer widely in the community. I know my kids and others who appear to be testing my abilities mean well, but I’d love to see a little more respect for aging and autonomy with older adults. Offering help to someone who is struggling is kind, but otherwise, let us older folks enjoy life without so much pressure. – OL
Dear OL: Thank you for writing. Your complaint highlights the other side of caregiving, and that’s important, too. Ageism is a cultural mindset that’s not just harming older adults but also young people and our economy. A positive attitude toward aging…
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