Jokes at Expense of Senior Citizens

* Regarding your Aug. 13 article about Leisure World’s fight for cityhood, it’s obvious that one “ism” remains in this youth-oriented society of ours. All those quips “Geezerville,” “Viagra Village,” et. al. show that the bias against age is alive and well, and fear and disrespect for society’s elders is still as sickeningly deep despite these alleged “kinder” and “gentler” times.

Could it be that age--or growing old--is just a grim reminder of our own mortality? I wonder what the humor might have been had the article been about disabled persons searching to name a rehabilitation center; or of the terminally ill (albeit young terminally ill) in naming a hospice.

The insensitivity of the jokesters in this article illustrate a sad, simple truth about our society. We do not value or recognize the inherent treasure in our seniors.

Instead, we make them retire when they reach a certain age and go play with other old folks at the retirement colony (if they can afford it). Out of view. Out of mind.

We don’t have to look at those wrinkled up, crusty old goats, terminally ill with age. Like getting into an accident, getting old happens to somebody else. Comedy is when tragedy strikes the other guy, it’s been said.

While we’re on the subject, if you don’t believe our attitudes about aging--old people--are archaic, try getting a job after 40.

TIMOTHY WAHL

Glendale