Despite change, dignity remains

To the editor:

Time was when age made a difference in one's behavior. Today it is quite different. Self-respect is not often a part.

A television commercial features an elderly man stepping from a bus and dancing in a freakish manner in order to attract people to Six Flags. Most elders were not capable of such dancing in early years. Sometimes a person's actions can be distasteful to the eye. When that occurs among the aged, it is unbecoming to the individual. If such behavior is meant to be impressive, it fails by me.

Quite amazing was the 99-year-old woman seen on television who brought chuckles when she performed in a less graceful manner from her former years as a dancer in the Ziegfield Follies. Her spirit was not dimmed, however, when her attempt to kick was not higher than her knee. Her dignity and charm remained untouched.

Dress styles have made a significant change among the aged, with pantsuits taking the lead.

Everything in life changes, but dignity is still there and remains uppermost. It will never lose its place in life. You can be sure of that.

PAULA E. KEMPE, Cape Girardeau