Hi. Well, I have to admit that I am over 65 and have had Guillain Barre syndrome (complicated) so my legs are slightly impaired. However, I try to look and act as youthful as possible. The syndrome can lead to paralysis and I have worked very hard to build my fitness after this disease.
I am sick of people asking if I can manage (in the bank for example with technology), and getting on a train yesterday a lady asked if I wanted to take her arm!! Godsake I thought I'm not that decrepid. It's not always about mobility, sometimes station staff are amazed I can use an app to buy tickets
Thing is, I know people mean well, so if I snap back I come across as a total bitch but I find it very humiliating and disempowering; insulting even to be treated like an old has been. The other person is then indignant. Thing is I am an intelligent, well educated woman not a person who needs looking after
Have others found this patronising, if caring, attitude at all? And how do you politely deal with it - I know a jokey reply would be good, but I am usually too hurt and angry
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Everyday Ageism
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