A Poem for our times, 3rd post, try not to cry.
Other
I find it very strange that the most deprived countries are the ones who respect and care for their elderly, whereas so called 1st world countries treat them with disdain and as nuisances.
I feel I have a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom that is worthy of being passed on. I am calm, think twice about all decisions, don't let trivial disagreements bother me and yet am constantly made to feel like the invisible woman. This is more pertinent to women as men are still considered sexual beings well into old age. Those who are ageist will never understand until they themselves are old.
We live in a sad world, so many ism's but the poem below sums it all up for me. My granddaughter showed me this when she was a teen, now 26, and even then she understood.
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.
I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!
in my eyes so true 
I feel quite sad that no one has read or commented on this poem as it really struck a chord with me, so I am bumping it quite openly in case anyone missed it who might like a read. Sorry, I don't know who wrote it.
Hi Lynibis I read and liked, (didn't have time to do more at time), it definitely struck a chord with me. I've since sent it to my Nurse daughter. Some info for you https://vts.wm.hee.nhs.uk/Portals/5/Presentations/Full%20Day/Crabbit%20Old%20Woman.pdf
lilyflower ah thanks for that, so glad as maybe others read it too. My granddaughter showed me the poem when she was a teen but it was a version written from a male perspective. It took ages to find this again.
Lynibis it is a beautiful poem....and I know what you mean... I was always too old for my age anyway so I'm rather fascinated by all the stories older generations can tell...and it is like with anything... employers want people with experience but they dont want anyone about 60... So the youngsters have no chance either and can't gain that experience because they are not "suitable". But they dont want someone older because they might be "too old"... and especially if you lose a job after 60 it might be very hard to find a new one until you will start getting that pension...
Also there is that expectation how you should behave at certain age... how long should be your hair, what clothes you supposed to wear - no jeans, long woolly skirts, etc... and just accept it and obey to these unwritten rules.. because you're not a teen anymore you're not allowed to have personality, other hobbies than "bingo" and surely not be seen or heard...
But luckily and this makes me very happy I see plenty of ladies in their late 60's even 70's breaking all these expectations and being their true self and doing what they want. With pink hair and wild tie dye clothes, or very fashionable lady who in her 60's became fashion model and an icon! Also I ready about a lady who started weightlifting or doing yoga and they definitely dont look 70!
I think the best thing to do no matter what age is to be yourself... and love yourself in whatever shape or form you are. And not to worry what others will think or say. Let them stare!
you cant please anyone anyway and besides you need to live for yourself not others! So whatever you want to do as long as it's not causing any harm to others- just do it!❤
BlueOrchid well said. I do follow your advice myself and my sons constantly tell me they can't believe how old I am and have a youthful outlook. I help out with Age Concern when I can as not all older people are as lucky as me, and believe me, I have so much to be thankful for. 
Lynibis that is amazing. Well done you. I actually work in a charity shop and I have so many great volunteers... and its the older ones that are the best. The ones who stay and are reliable. Some of the youngsters are so slow and lazy!
i hope to be that way when I'm old
To be honest only now I am seeing this topic I remember watching video of this poem on a advert and had to find to post it not sure how to put video links on so may have to edit few times.
Wow, I couldn't remember the poem but my granddaughter obviously knew where to find it, thanks for the link Ann.
I know I am 9 months late to this post but I totally agree with this! I loved the idea of having grandparents as a child (and even now) since I lost them before I was born and I used to be so jealous of other kids!!!
I too never had grandparents and I know what you mean. They can be a very important part of a childhood.
Don't worry about resurrecting old posts. In fact I was quite annoyed recently when a topic was closed because it was old and someone commented not realising and another member made a bit of a scathing reply. Sometimes topics become relevant again and I don't like being treated like a child with topics being closed for no adequate reason. Just delete any offending comments.
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