Repect is learned (From Penarth Times)

Repect is learned

PENARTH school children were shocked to find that there really is life after 40. Evenlode Primary were one of only seven schools in the country to take part in a Shattering Stereotypes study organised by Help the Aged.

The Year 5 pupils were stunned to find that 60 percent of older people in Penarth believe over 50s are shown in a negative way on television. And over 42 percent also believe they are treated worse by younger people.

Tom Sutton, 10, and Rosa Hatfield, 10, took part. Tom said: "When we started the study, we looked closely at TV and how it shows older people. I'd never realised how often they were made into targets."

Rosa added: "I've always considered my grandparents to be not interested in anything. But we found lots of the people we spoke to have more time on their hands, and are more active than many younger people."

Tom said: "Making fun of old people is like making fun of someone of an ethnic origin. Kids don't like it when they are blamed for everything so why should older people accept being called smelly or useless?

"If you're old, you're old. It will happen to all of us, and we should realise that people who have been through life have lots to teach us."

Rosa said: "I used to be afraid of growing old, but I'm not now. The worse thing for older people is feeling they're not needed. But I see my parents and grandparents differently now, and have learned to respect them more."

Liz Thomas from Help the Aged said: "We've been pleased with the enthusiasm with which the children undertook this challenge.

"They have looked closely at how we all see older people. Hopefully, other schools will take on the challenge and we can change the way people view one another."

For more information on the Shattering Stereotypes, log on to the Help the Aged website at www.helptheaged.org.uk/schools