Reflection (1)

In the Senior Center, I did still have stereotypes about how we will talk about the two readings and what we will focus on. I was worried about how I would communicate my ideas and how we would be sharing our ideas as in pairs or in groups since we were two age groups filled with negative stereotypes. Actually sitting with a group did help give some ease about how we will be communicating. However, I was still worried about how I will put my idea out and keep the conversation going about the readings. Once we did start talking it went very smoothly and I did feel comfortable sharing my ideas. I did enjoy the ideas we shared and how we didn’t get bored or died down. One of the topics we later talked about was sexual activity and developing romantic or sexual relationships. There is a sort of taboo with being an older woman or man that you are not expected to have any sexual or romantic relationship, especially after losing a loved one one. One particular story was about a male relative who was a widower. He had dated many women before and his dates were never accepted by his children. This story helped me realize that there is a purity stereotype with being old: having no sexual need or to be looking for romantic relationships.The most surprising thing for me was the openness about how there is sexual repression and lack of sexual protection at an old age. Most of the push of the suppression is coming from their children or relatives since there is a “purity” thing about being of older age or to not be dating. With the stereotype of being pure, then there is no precaution or warning for using protection. One thing that I found out was an issue is how there is a spike of STDs in retirement or care homes because condoms or any sexual protection is not provided. This stereotype is causing a real tangible harm to a age group, it’s terrifying. Another insight is when we talked about how there is a dependence on others like love ones since, as we get older, we need help with some physical labor. Yet there is this double edged sword where there is a need for help from others but not to be coddled or infantilized by those who are caring for them. From our disscussion, there is more than what is seen in the surface. It’s not just about differences of age or being in relationships, its engrained in families and those around us. The stereotypes like not being sexual has real consequences and dangers to the age group. I learned that the whole age difference and stereotyping is completely unnecessary, even that it is harmful to the age group.