Speaking Up for Seniors

I am appalled by and ashamed of the opinions voiced, in regards to the senior members of our society, by those quoted in the July 4 story as opposing the placing of subsidized senior citizen housing in proximity to the area of Ventura Boulevard known as “the Melrose of the Valley.”

It is a sad testament to our superficial and materialistic attitudes when third parties set themselves up as judges of another’s quality of life based on the availability of shopping opportunities.

What senior citizens (along with all normal members of a healthy society) crave is not trendy retail shopping outlets, but human contact and interaction. That particular area of the boulevard teems with life in all its forms, from the homeless and downtrodden to the nouveau riche, whose attitudes seem most pervasively reflected in the article.

To isolate our seniors because they don’t fit the “demographic ideal” of a boulevard shopper is cruel, insensitive and short-sighted. Do none of these outraged people have intentions of aging?

My wife and I (ages 40 and 38) have noted the presence of many seniors while dining in Le Cafe, browsing in Banana Republic and searching the bins in Tower Records. Since these establishments were quoted as believing that seniors would be “out of place” in their establishments, perhaps they should refuse to take their money. Better yet, seniors should mount informational pickets, informing other senior citizens that their custom is not appreciated.

Prejudicial attitudes toward the elderly are hereditary. Heaven help you if you pass them on to your grandchildren.

GARY BOLEN

Studio City