Do tv shows reinforce our negative sense of self?
by Carol
(West Chester)
Sad. Funk. Odd person out. Busy but not satisfied at the end of the day. No or little purpose with each day. I read these or variations on various posts and each and every one resounded with me.
My previous life was full of being busy with work related issues to resolve, being bored at work, of having to find things to do to keep from "going stir crazy" at work. Sure, being the odd person out at work was not satisfying and hurt, some days had purpose and some days did not seem to have any purpose except to keep my desk from floating away. Hmmm, life now sounds like a repeat as I reread my words.
Change of attitude? Maybe, but at my age what I am is what I am. However, I would like some positive, reality reference to help me through this maze of life.
Tv shows, ads, movies do not address the older person in a positive role. Before you say Turn off the TV!!! let's admit most of us do watch it at times. All people do not watch tv but for those of us who have and do so I believe the tv shows, and even the advertisements set up negative expectations for us in retirement.
How many tv sitcoms have older people with canes the Father in Frazier) or older people who are sad and feel like the odd person out.
Ads - Take your choice, undergarment pads, medications with side effects, or the Happy, smiling, flexible, youthful older person delighted to move to XWZ residential care. I know a couple who moved to a Residential Village and they are very happy there - they also have the financial means to enjoy life without worrying about costs.
Movies are doing a bit better for us older folks. The Bucket List comes to mind. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was a fun movie about older folks and how they enjoyed being retired. Once again behind the scenes is the fact that these folks had the money to travel.
Would we watch a tv sitcom about older people? Would it influence differently how we live our retirement? How would you create a tv sitcom for people in retirement? What would they do daily?
Or maybe I just need to give myself permission to enjoy each day and to not worry about frittering away a day now and then.
