Yes, seniors have peer pressure. Today I went to a clients home to deliver a caregiver a reward. She was surprised and happy for the gift bag, flowers etc that I brought her. I asked her if we could write a nice article about her accomplishment but she denied our request. I was puzzled so I asked her why. She giggled. Then she stated she didn't want anyone finding out she was still working. I was presenting our caregiver with a reward for being the oldest caregiver, at age 86, working for Visiting Angels Nationwide. I stated to Berthe you should be proud about your accomplishment and recognized for your contribution to helping others. Still, she wouldn't budge. She explained to me even her daughter isn't aware that she is still working. Berthe stated she loves her job and doesn't want to be harassed by her peers or children to stop working. She loves it so much and others would ridicule her for still working. She stated she likes to stay busy and feel useful and this is one thing she really enjoys. I stopped and thought about it and thanked her for her honesty.
I didn't even realize that so many of us have expectations of what life is like at different times in our lives. You should retire at age 65 etc. If you don't fit in the mold you appear to be in the minority and will be questioned why by everyone. The lesson I learned was that everything does not appear they way I think it does.Who would have known that an 86 year old would be fearful of how they look to their peers. I do know form working with older adults that the children don't always quite understand their parents and do keep many secrets from their children so they can live life the way they want vs what the children want.
Age is really just a number we reach. You are as young as you feel. Boy did I get an ear full at a seminar I gave at The Cashin Senior Center this week. An 93 year old lady was in the seminar and wanted to learn about, It's it Old Age Memory Loss or is it Alzheimer's. She had us all in stitches. She was full of life. We were surrounded by all the laughter she gave us. She had no major illness and goes daily to the center just to get out of her home. She also does not fit into the typical mold we all have set in our minds of a 93 year old lady. She still drives and tells everyone what she thinks and feels....she has no worries and let's it all out.
To conclude we all need to look into the mirror and see ourselves from the inside out. Your age does not reflect the person you want to be or have become. Do not judge others and respect choices!
