Images And The Mask of Old Age[i]
Early
images of aging reflected in the model ”Ages of Man” are represented as the stages
of human existence on the Earth traced back to Greek mythology during the 6th
Century BC. In those times the end period of human beings was seen as “… one
final stage of physical decrepitude, symbolized by a stick or a crutch, as well
as a close proximity to death usually portrayed as a skeleton and a tomb.”[ii] This was followed by Medieval Europe’s notion of life
as a cycle going between pleasures of youth to the “woes of old age.” The Ideal of those days was that a
person could live to be 70 yrs old although almost all people didn’t.
Considering mankind’s growing longevity, at 73 years of age I am happy to be active and
energetic, even if it’s not quite the same as when I played football during the
years of my post secondary education. Along with others I am inclined to say,
“I don’t feel old.”[iii] “
As
we become chronologically older, we discover that a subjective grasp of the
meaning of old age is equally elusive.
Although our bodies may display signs of passing years the subjective
self is not experienced as correspondingly old, and in a society where the
dominant images of old age are negative, this tension between the inner
personal and the outer social identity may cause us considerable distress.”[iv]
I’ll
share a simple example. When I look in a mirror and use my fingers to tighten
the bags under my eyes, to me, I look a lot younger and I have thought about
asking my doctor if it’s possible and healthy to empty the bags. It’s like they
are a “mask” which brings us to last topic; the “mask” of old age. “The image
of the mask of old age implies that the physical changes which accompany the
life of 70 (plus) years are superficial or surface changes that conceal from
the casual observer or untrained eye essentially unchanging qualities beneath.”[v]
Perhaps my thoughts are strongly
influenced by the Western societies’ strong consumer culture, which emphasizes
the activity of youth. For example, motion pictures focus on the beauty and
strengths of youth and, even though there is a growing body of research
regarding positive aging they rarely portray seniors.
In
research and some popular culture we do seem to be making some progress in
regards to the inner self and wisdom. I guess I would rather continue to
develop insight and wisdom rather than pay a couple of thousand dollars to have
my bagged eyes “fixed.
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