As kids head back to school, we’re asking for your help.
It’s become a trend in schools around the US to celebrate the 100th day of school by holding a “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day.” Pinterest and some websites provide instructions for parents to help their kids look and act the part of an old person.
Some examples:
- WikiHow recommends avoiding any bold or bright colors and instead to dress in drab solid colors and use a “simple walking cane and hobble around with that.”
- A Livestrong article coaches parents to encourage their child to call other people “sonny” and “go a little overboard as a stereotypical old person to make it more fun.”
- ClassyMommy describes a child’s perfectly put together costume:
Kyle’s wrinkles were the coolest and honestly they made him look utterly EXHAUSTED! He really looked his age. We kept asking him if he was tired and Kenzie thought he was making dirty faces at her since the wrinkles kind of gave him a permanent scowl. Too funny!
This is beyond disturbing. I was so angry when I read these posts and had to remind myself that these writers and the participating schools probably don’t have bad intentions. Their actions are just another reflection of the persistent and pervasive negativity surrounding aging in our culture.
That’s where we come in. We can’t let things like this continue.
We have to speak out
Today’s kids are tomorrow’s leaders. We have a great opportunity to inoculate them against the damaging effects of ageism.
Last year, when Kelly Papa, Corporate Director of Learning at Masonicare, learned that her child’s school was holding one of these “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old” days, she was horrified.
Kelly admits she had some hesitation in contacting the teacher but she realized she had to take action. She contacted the teacher and explained the concerns she had with this depiction of older people. Kelly was invited to come to the school and talk with the kids and set up a video conference so the kids could talk with Kelly’s 100-year-old aunt and learn about the gifts that come with aging. The teacher took the lesson one step further. She brought in two jars. In one jar, she placed 5 pennies, in the other 100 pennies. The kids then talked about how much more value the full jar, representing a 100-year-old, brings. The teacher went on to earn a board of education award for her efforts.
The actions we take, no matter how small, have a ripple effect on society. One of the most powerful things we can do is take a lesson from Kelly and boldly address ageism when and where we see it.
So, we’re asking for your help.
Consider commenting (kindly of course) on websites promoting these ageist stereotypes. If you hear of schools in your area that are planning a “Dress Like a 100-Year-Old Day” contact them and talk with them about options for 100th day celebrations that honor aging. You may want to be proactive and reach out to schools and inquire about their plans now.
So, are you in? Please share your commitment and ideas for age-honoring 100th day celebrations in the comments below.
This Post originally appeared on The Eden Alternative Blog
UPDATE: After the response to this blog the author along with Ashton Applewhite, Pioneer Network and LeadingAge partnered to write a letter that can be given to principals, PTAs etc. Find the letter here. Read about its genesis here.
Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash
Seems to me some of you are not in education or in a classroom. But, this celebration isn’t about being “old.” Most of the day is about celebrating how we’ve grown 100days smarter…what the student has learned in those 100 days. Some schools allow them to dress up as “older” version of themselves but they come to school so excited to talk about how they’re just like grandma or grandpa—generating a discussion about their older family members how special and loved they are at home. It’s one day to celebrate what the student has learned and it’s a “themed” day…just like back when schools got to have themed units of study but it takes one bad experience/opinion to ruin it for the rest who are enjoying it.
Thank you for adding some common sense. I did not grow up with grandparents and remember being small and somewhat afraid of the elderly. I agree, this exercise embraces aging, and all the wonderful aspects of becoming older and wiser!
I can see why people would be offended by some of the comments people made about age -“permanent scowls” and such.
I was also offended by the teachers remedy to the faux pas that put a value on age. The kids are worth 5 cents. The 100 year old is worth 20x more. We live in a world where young lives are lost indescrimintely and this demonstration promotes the idea that those childrens’ lives are negligible.
Can’t we figure out how to be reapectful towards everyone?
So my current thought on this is: why not use this exercise as an opportunity to open up dialogue about aging? Have classroom discussion about aging in our country and how it is addressed as opposed to aging in other cultures. Ask “whose grandmother (older relative) dresses, acts like this? What about ‘older’ folk that are politicians (John Dingell comes to mind, Mother Theresa) doctors??, just plain old folks like your great-aunt.
And if you are concerned that “older” folk are more important than younger, why?? And what should we do about it? Explore these ideas instead of promoting stereotypes.
A lot of learning, and understanding is possible.
I agree!!!! I’m 72 & not offended one bit.
News Flash: It is possible not to be offended by everything… I mean, come on. They are children. This is probably someone who would be offended that my child wants to dress up as Moana or Black Panther for Halloween, because they are white. 1 mom ruins the fun for everyone, because of her gentle snowflake way of thinking. Your kid will be the one that gets damaged by stuff like this in the future. Keep that in mind.
It’s not that Gerontologists, like myself, feel ageism is always intentional. Most stereotypes are just for fun, right? Unfortunately, this places their expectations and image of older adults negatively at such an early age. It does not even accurately represent the population. Diversity exist in Aging, within ability, personality, and style.
Now, we need more geriatricians, Gerontologist and Aging specialists. Some design students are getting requests for more appealing clothing for their body types and physical abilities.
Sadly some professionals are stepping into these fields by limited options, with little to no training in Aging. Older adults need more sevices. But it’s not an appealing career choice because, “they smell” “they’re mean” “they’re too slow, I don’t have the patience” “They’re boring”.
I have been working with older adults for about 8 years now and I cannot stress how much I’ve learned and enjoyed learning about about people’s lives, stories, advice. I’ve had the best talks and most rewarding experiences.
Ageism is introduced in the early ages. It seems innocent but there’s a bigger impact than people realize. I think it’s an awesome idea to combat this stigma with an opportunity to learn from and admire older adults and better prepare for our future.
At the outset, it may seem like a fun and cute idea. Yet, by dressing like hundred-year-olds, it is uncertain what students are expected to glean about the experience of elderly persons. Are old people honored or respected by this kind of activity? If so, how does dressing like a centenarian convey respect and empathy for senior citizens? More likely, dressing up like hundred-year-olds conveys the message that old people are convenient targets for mockery. Most elementary school children will go along with the idea, and they don’t realize how insensitive it can be towards senior members of our society. If they perceive it as being condoned at school, children can feel more emboldened to disparage the elderly outside of school. In fact, impressionable students might view old people as fair game and readily conclude that it’s acceptable to make fun of them. Without guidance from adults, it is doubtful that perceptions of the elderly will be enhanced for young students. Educators bear a responsibility to guide children towards a greater awareness for human dignity, including the dignity of old people.
Your perspective is narrow minded. And your reply speaks to your privilege. People are allowed to feel like this 100 day exercise has the ability to embrace so much more than “age”. What is the point of celebrating 100 days of school? Do we feel older? Do we look older? What are we trying to celebrate? The love of learning? The joy in the milestone of accomplishments? 100 days of school seems completely irrelevant to celebrate in MY opinion. period. No matter how it’s executed… And guess what? That’s ok for me to feel that way. You are not the norm. So therefor, you don’t have a right to push your opinions/perspectives on others or insinuate about what “type of person” this “snowflake” is. You aren’t the judge. If this topic doesn’t suit your needs, just keep scrolling.
I believe that those who oppose make assumptions that all who celebrate this way are age bashing. Perhaps it encompasses many engaging learning opportunities such as tolerance, kindness, and celebration of wisdom and most of all respect. Many teachers have guest speakers, collaborate with grandparents, share historical events , discuss hopes and dreams and coordinate many other activities. Just as we should respect elderly and withhold judgement creating stereotype, the same should hold true for the activity/teacher bashing on this topic. What’s next….elf on the shelf, q and u wedding and leprechaun traps?
I believe that those who oppose make assumptions that all who celebrate this way are age bashing. Perhaps it encompasses many engaging learning opportunities such as tolerance, kindness, and celebration of wisdom and post of all respect. Many teachers have guest speakers, collaborate with grandparents, share historical events , discuss hopes and dreams and coordinate many other activities. Just as we should respect elderly and withhold judgement creating stereotype, the same should hold true for the activity/teacher bashing on this topic. What’s next….elf on the shelf, q and u wedding and leprechaun traps?
please! Isn’t there bigger agism issues you could spend your time on. If they dressed up like babies, would that affend you too. You are taking things too far. Let children be children!
While it would be nice to “let children be children,” rituals that are set forth by adults may set cultural attitudes for life. Another way to look at it is if the ritual had the children mimicking/mocking a different cultural group (rather than elders) e.g. people with a different skin color.
Yes! Many of us teachers were surprised to get a talking to this year for something we’ve done every year. If you’re going to complain maybe inform the teacher at the BEGINNING of the year about this instead of waiting to complain to our BOSSES. 🙁
Jill, I am right here with you on this one. Thank you for using your platform to change the way we celebrate 100th day. Sometimes we do things without realizing the impact it has on others. We are slowing devaluing and discouraging our old. I blog about aging and perhaps I will write a post introducing the “Best Ways to Celebrate 100th Day” adding in a piece why we shouldn’t have kids dress up. I have three little ones and also will try to email the principal to ensure we are not dishonoring others in the way we celebrate. Thanks again for this article.
I am linking to two blog posts I wrote on this topic!!
http://aboutbeingold.com/2016/02/reconsidering-100th-day-pretty-please/
http://aboutbeingold.com/2016/03/100th-day-mama-in-the-news/
Terrific article and campaign. Thank you Jill. Several years ago I blogged about this objectionable practice and suggested teachers might rather gather 100 books into an impressive tower in the classroom—preferably beautiful picture books. The teacher could share that each book represents a year in the life of a person who has enjoyed 100 years of life. The pages represent the variety of experiences and events in that full life.
My website at A is for Aging shares reviews of picture books that avoid negative age stereotypes and resource lists.
The blog post I mentioned is at this link— http://www.lindseymcdivitt.com/2013/02/09/100-books-for-100-years/
What if instead of dressing like a 100 year old, we encouraged people to dress as they would have when the school opened? Then, having 100 year olds talk to the kids about how schools have changed in their lifetimes?
Might this be a more positive alternative activity? Learn a skill or craft that an elderly person would be more likely to know. I think some “stereotypes” have some truth behind them, like often feeling cold. So learn to knit the shawl or quilt the lap robe. 100 years ago, children began to learn these (and many other) skills at very early ages.
I volunteered at the local elementary school for several years. I hated the 100th day! I felt mocked by some of the teachers. I’m in my 60’s but I don’t look the stereotype nor act like it. I’ve sent the dress like 100 letter on to the principal
What a horrifying idea! Can you imagine “dress like a Moslem” or “dress like a Negro” day! Instead, try “Imagine YOUR life at 100 Day” – now, that would be good. What will you have done; what will you still be doing; how thoughtful will you be; how many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will you have? How do you hope to be remembered by your friends and family?
Great idea. Then invite a couple of centenarians to class to share some life stories.
I have to admit I am surprised by this. As a teacher, I have never have it done as a way to mock or make fun.Most often we tie it to the social studies curriculum of past present and future and then and now. Most teachers always require a small story that the children fabricate about when they first ….( fill in the blank- were elected to the supreme court;found the cure for diabetes;cured cancer; walked on Jupiter; learned to talk to dolphins ; invented the hoverboard ) They never mock and in fact we often get elders to visit to share stories leading up to our event. Then they come in for tea and a craft or read aloud. While I appreciate how it can seem, IVE NEVER seen it done in a mocking way. Thank you for drawing attention to the need for sensititivty ( and I love the suggestions of the penny jar and will definately add that to my tradition) but really do think it is a way for the children to goal set and reflect on the contributions they hope to make on family, community and globe at large.
I have always been very surprised by this strange school ritual. I have never understood what reaching a milestone of 100 days of school has to do with mocking 100 year old people. I work with older adults in a very active independent living retirement community and most of the 100 year olds (or those getting close!) have done an amazing job to teach me that aging is NOTHING like what I thought it was when I was younger. Perpetuating stereotypes robs people of the opportunity to learn from people who have had the good fortune to live long, happy, productive lives. Older people are every bit as different from one another as younger people, so dressing like someone who is 100 is ridiculous as there is no uniform for 100 year olds! Thank you for starting this campaign, I will be sharing it on my FB page and hopefully we will all make a difference.
Our schools have kids bring a collection of 100 things It can be 100 of anything I never heard of nor would I suppport their dressing like a 100 year old
Well done article Jill. Let’s stop “othering” people and learn from relationship. Learn from talking, and laughing with one another! That’s the fast track to breaking the belief of stereotypes.
When I first saw this title I was taken aback….”what?” I would think a 100 y.o. dresses like everyone else, don’t they? There is a lady in my retirement community who is 100 and she looks like everyone else. When I got to the article, I was pleasantly surprised. thanks to a pro-active parent, this situation was saved and even became a learning opportunity. I will keep eyes and ears open for a similar situation in my nearby school district. PS I am 75….so nowhere near 100. haha
Hi Judy, thank you for keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to educate!
Since I do not have kids in school, I had no idea. This is a disgusting practice, and if they were to substitute another social/cultural group (instead of “100-year-old”) they would quickly abandon this ageist ritual.
Glenna, so true! That is a very good point.
This is teaching children to be ageist. Why don’t they invite 100 rear old people to schools to talk about history?
Hi Pat, Yes! that is what we’re hoping this movement will change.
What a great idea! I agree wholeheartedly.
Thanks Paul, we hope that we can change this trend to something more positive. It will take all of us!