The Misconceptions of Youth and Old Age

Ok, so I agree that youth is something to be cherished and appreciated, because it’s a very important stage in ones life; in youth we learn over half of what we will ever learn, we develop our sense of self, our unique perceptions of the world, and of course: we are seen to be at our most beautiful and healthy. Youth is generally viewed as the ‘prime’ and ‘best times’ of our lives.

But where has the beauty of old age gone? Where is the cherishing and appreciation of having lived past youth? Having experienced youth and adulthood, having gained ones own educated opinions on life and the world, is there not a better way to be rewarded for such than being misjudged by those that don’t understand? It seems that these days the appeal of youth is being overestimated, whilst the appeal of old age is being sadly undervalued, ignored even. Do we ignore such because we fear old age? Are we ignoring some pressing issues of old age in the same way someone might ignore a homeless person as they walk by, adamant that it’s not their problem, not their fault and not their duty to help?

There is equal guilt surrounding ignorance upon the issues of youth, whereby people assume youths are being cared for adequately and therefore don’t need additional help or assistance. Issues such as teenage suicide, drugs, education and healthcare are becoming more and more significant, and dangers for the youth of modern society are increasing. Is it a rise in issues surrounding old age and youth that are causing some conflict between the perceptions of the two?

Even aside from the most significant problems surrounding youth and old age, there are additional issues. Earlier I mentioned the appeal of youth being overestimated; in elaboration to that point, I feel that the aesthetic appeals of youth are being overestimated. I think that too many people are being pressured into believing that ‘reversing age’, as can be seen in countless advertisements, is a way to erase problems, and to induce a return of youthful carelessness and naive happiness. This is insulting not only to old people, in undermining the beauty of wisdom, but also to youth, as it heightens stereotypes that young people are just ‘pretty faces’, and are carefree, ignorant of their own identities and constantly zesty for life. People should be encouraged to love themselves how they are, to cherish the wrinkles on their faces, the lines from laughter, rather than being pressured to change who they are or rid themselves of it.