After the age of 70, never let anyone do this to you

Reaching the age of 70 doesn’t mean a person has lost their value or abilities. Yet many older adults experience a quiet shift: their opinions are ignored, decisions are made for them, and their knowledge is overlooked—all under the guise of “care” or concern.

This phenomenon, known as infantilization, often begins subtly. People start speaking in a softer, childlike tone, question choices, and override decisions with phrases like “it’s for your own good” or “at your age, you shouldn’t be doing that anymore.” While intentions may be good, the effects can be harmful.

Infantilization signals that older adults are perceived as incapable of thinking, deciding, or managing their own lives. It often stems from fear, misplaced concern, or societal ageism that equates aging with decline rather than experience. Over time, this erodes confidence and autonomy.

Research shows that older adults who continue making decisions live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life. Engaging the brain through planning, problem-solving, and even making mistakes keeps motivation and vitality alive. When people feel unheard, passivity grows, creating a cycle of diminishing control.

When control comes from family members, the effects worsen. Children or partners may confuse protection with dominance, leading older adults to surrender choices slowly—from small matters to major life decisions—until they no longer recognize themselves.

This can lead to internalized ageism, where repeated messages like “you’re too old for that” become self-beliefs. Over time, older adults may unconsciously limit their own actions and capacity, reinforcing dependence and self-doubt.

Breaking this cycle requires asserting boundaries, challenging assumptions, and making decisions independently. Each choice strengthens autonomy, allowing older adults to reclaim control over their health, voice, and dignity.

After 70, life still belongs to the individual. Experience remains valuable, and the right to decide for oneself should never be surrendered. Maintaining agency is not just about independence—it is essential for self-respect, mental stimulation, and a meaningful life.

Related Posts

After a Terrible Crash Left Me Disabled, My Husband Made Me Pay Him to Take Care of Me – He Cried in the End!

I’m thirty-five, and before the accident, I was the one who kept our marriage running like a well-oiled machine. Here’s How You Can Get Rid Of Toenail…

Boss Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine After Car Incident

I accidentally scraped a car in the parking lot. My boss came sprinting out of the building, screaming,“Who hit my car?!” Embarrassed, I admitted it was me…

A Client’s Lost Earrings Led to an Unexpected Discovery

I have a client who’s known for her wealth and elegance. A couple of days after her visit, she called me in tears, saying she had lost…

THE POWER OF SMALL KINDNESSES

That flight changed me in a way no destination ever could. I boarded with the usual rush — tired, impatient, and ready to shut the world out….

The Flight That Taught Me More Than Any Book Could

I have an 8-hour flight. Before I entered, I ordered a burger, fries, and a drink.When I started eating it, Here’s How You Can Get Rid Of…

A Stranger Visited My Daughter in the Hospital Every Day for Six Months – Then I Learned the Truth

For six months, every day at exactly 3 p.m., a huge biker with a gray beard appeared in my 17-year-old daughter Hannah’s hospital room. She had been…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *