Paradigm Shift of Aging

When and how so swift?
Once revered, loved and respected
Valued and embraced for their wisdom
An integral part of life.

Now denied, ignored, and ridiculed
Pushed away, out of sight, out of mind
To segregated communities
Or warehouses for the unabled.

Stories once told and passed among family
Now only heard by segregated others
Or strangers in white.

The elders are the same
It's we who've changed.