All Old Folks Are Not The Same
1. My Thoughts and Feelings
Project Skill
- exploring your attitudes about aging and older people
Life Skill
- understanding yourself
What to do
Mark down on a piece of paper whether you agree or disagree or are not sure about each of the following statements. If you do not understand a particular statement, ask your group leader, a family member, or project helper for assistance. It is important for you to realize that there are no correct or incorrect answers. You responses reflect your feelings and attitudes. Be sure to save your answers for later.
- 1. Older people are set in their ways.
- 2. Older people love children.
- 3. All older people are pretty much the same.
- 4. Older people don't have a sense of humor.
- 5. If you live long enough, you'll become senile or confused.
- 6. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
- 7. Older people prefer people their own age.
- 8. Older people often have interesting ideas.
- 9. I usually try to help older people.
- 10. Sometimes I wonder what it is like to be old.
- 11. Older people don't understand teenagers.
- 12. People over 65 should just enjoy life.
- 13. Most older people like to play bingo.
- 14. Older people think they are always right.
Spend a few minutes
sharing your answers with your group or project helper or family member:
1. Which answers do you agree on?
2. Which answers do you think you answered differently than an older person
would?
3. What did you learn about yourself through this activity?
You may find that some of your attitudes might change a little as you continue
to learn more about aging and older people. Think about your responses as
you continue with Walk in My Shoes.
Read "All Old Folks Are Not the Same."
The activities that follow will help you become even more aware of your
attitudes about aging. You will also learn about the myths that exist
about aging and our older population.