Aging in America

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in America, old age is not generally perceived as a proud accomplishment; the accumulated wisdom of older people is not respected but more often dismissed as being out of touch with modern ideas. The author points out that society euphemistically labels a retiree as a "senior citizen", but this seniority differs from that of a younger worker's honored position; it heralds a time of diminished income and productivity rather than progress. The paper emphasizes that, in defending the right to die with dignity, death is not the worst that can happen in this life, but rather life without dignity or sensitivity is the greatest threat society faces.

From the Paper:

"We are embarrassed by the idea of the elderly being sexy or provocative. Many react with amusement or disapproval when the elderly are open about being sexually active; the elderly man who retains his sexual interest earns the label of "dirty old man." We never hear about dirty young men because they are granted tacit social approval to be sexual. Elderly women are generally seen to have even less sexual appeal than elderly men."

More papers on Aging in America:

• Term Paper # 27533 : "Aging in America"
• Essay # 60210 : "Problems of Aging Population in America"
• Analytical Essay # 118825 : "The Gilded Age in America"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: