As a 74-year-old Hilo resident and one who, unabashedly, questions many status quo, societal institutions, I feel as though older people are separated, isolated, forgotten and self-judgmental.

You’ve heard it before: Older people are invisible. Adoration, awe and energy are broadcast to youth — bodies cloaked in compression tops and bun-hugging pants.

Why are senior centers only for seniors? Why can’t teenagers go to my yoga class? One reason: Many seniors have adopted a negative view of themselves. We compare ourselves to the youthful standard so prevalent in movies, on TV, in magazines, in the retail world.

We isolate seniors in care homes. We isolate inmates in jails. We isolate and separate children in all ages in schools.

Open up those care homes to kindergarteners so residents and 5-year-olds can talk to each other. Open up jails so inmates and the public can develop community, understanding and compassion. Open up schools for cross-age tutoring/mentoring.

Seniors: Rise up! Do not default to the comforts or discomforts of “home alone.” Gradually, our society will morph into one of inclusiveness, warm-heartedness, self-respect, health and honesty.

Gary Harrold

Hilo

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