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There's a subreddit called r/AdorableOldPeople and as you might guess, it shares screenshots and pictures of old people making the world a better place.

First of all, we are not huge fans of the name. As philosophy teacher Randall Horton pointed out in Huff Post, even people in their 50s like to think they are in their "young 50s" or that they look good "for their age." As they get older, they become "a little more patient, more accepting, less doctrinaire, and, yes, sadder and wiser." However, they do not think they become more adorable, precious, charming, or sweet. Attributing these words to older folks can send the wrong message. They might think we're infantilizing them. So we won't.

But the content of the subreddit is awesome. Whether we're talking about teens or seniors, people can be jerks, so it's always appropriate to celebrate the ones that aren't. Continue scrolling and you will find a hand-picked collection of the most popular posts on the sub.

#2

She Said "I Haven't Been Carried Like This Since My Wedding Day"

She Said "I Haven't Been Carried Like This Since My Wedding Day"

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Some call the issue Horton highlights as "elderspeak," which, according to her, is characterized by treating older people more as children than as fully functioning adults. In fact, she feels this demeaning language is often inappropriate for children as well. Horton said elderspeak is a problem in health care settings too.

"For some reason, when people talk to older patients, they tend to slow their speech, raise the volume, and sing their sentences," she explained. "In addition, every statement seems to become a question and second person pronouns are replaced with first-person plural pronouns ( e.g., 'you' becomes 'we') ... At a time when nursing home workers are sharing explicit photos and videos of older adults on social media, complaining about 'sweetheart' seems almost quaint, but both the diminutive terms and the more extreme demeaning media rob patients of their dignity and personhood."

#3

Grandfather With Vitiligo Crochets Dolls To Make Children With This Condition Feel Better

Grandfather With Vitiligo Crochets Dolls To Make Children With This Condition Feel Better

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#4

Relationship Goals

Relationship Goals

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It's clear that the subreddit and its members mean well, but Horton said people seem to think they are honoring seniors by treating them as mascots. "Many videos on social media feature adults who are 'adorable' or 'precious' dancing, singing, or doing other activities they have no doubt done for their entire lives. The videos are presented with the exact same attitude behind videos of kittens, puppies, and babies."

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"Videos of the elderly seem to take the same attitude: It is amazing that older people might still do the things they love. If they make the attempt to engage in the activities that make them happy, they are 'so cute.'"

#6

Cosplay Isn't Just For The Young

Cosplay Isn't Just For The Young

SkelletonQueenX Report

Treating old adults like this can lead to serious consequences. For instance, when health care providers infantilize old adults, they can overlook the sexual health of these patients. As this article states, “prevailing misconceptions among health care providers regarding a lack of sexual activity in older adults contribute to making elders an extremely vulnerable population."

The result of this ignorance is that STD rates among the elderly are increasing at an alarming rate; even though about 80 percent of adults aged 50 to 90 years old are sexually active, they are infrequently screened for STDs.

But Horton is more concerned about what she calls "the basic harm."

"As we age we lose the respect of our fellow beings and we lose our status as persons," she said.

#7

Obama Told This 90-Year Old Veteran He Didn't Have To Stand. He Said, "No Sir, You're The President"

Obama Told This 90-Year Old Veteran He Didn't Have To Stand. He Said, "No Sir, You're The President"

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Sonja_kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care what people say about Obama, he's just a genuinely wholesome human being.

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Susan Bosse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly. I truly think he and Michelle are two people who are goals. I don't agree with everything he did, but I don't agree with everything anyone does. They are true class and just good people.

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Jackie Nettleton
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is the level of respect a president should have for his people and hope to god he’s worthy of the respect being shown to him

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righttoopinion
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter what party, that's the epitome of respect and that's how he was taught and he'd have it no other way. Something that's been lost today.

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Roshan Kassan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what this world needs - REAL leadership, honour, respect and loyalty

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Susan Bosse
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes my heart smile and gave me chills. How precious and wonderful.

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Dave Emilio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then, when he met mr Cheeto, he said, sorry dude I’m crippled, I’ll sit

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James Johnstone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There times to stand times to kneel , your church is for kneeling !

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Lisa Chambers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you show courtesy and respect for others, you have respect for yourself. Its a good way to be.

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Ashley Wright
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this gentleman only knew Obama didn’t like our military. #fact Still, bless this veteran.

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Jessi Zultanky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as someone in a wheelchair i do get quite tired of "inspiration porn" and most wheelchair users can stand so it's not really that big a deal... someone's gonna come after me for this but idc

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InfectedVoice
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Cuervo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait I thought white men were e vil??? Please explain...

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Miguel Garcia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They dont make men like him anymore. 75+year old men are @55H0L3$ #respect

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John C
Community Member
2 years ago

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This is making me think of the time when Biden, when he was Obama's vice, tell that wheelchair-bound guy to stand up and take a bow. LOL Good ole Joe.

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#8

My Professor Is 74 And He Isn’t Confident Using Zoom So He’s Prerecorded The Rest Of Our Classes. Today, I Watched The First One. He Has A Pinocchio Doll In The Front Row Because He Isn’t Comfortable Teaching To An Empty Room. I’m Social Distancing For This Man And This Man Only

My Professor Is 74 And He Isn’t Confident Using Zoom So He’s Prerecorded The Rest Of Our Classes. Today, I Watched The First One. He Has A Pinocchio Doll In The Front Row Because He Isn’t Comfortable Teaching To An Empty Room. I’m Social Distancing For This Man And This Man Only

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According to her, old people are still rational and intelligent. "I realize we all suffer some cognitive decline as we age and some are affected by diseases that accelerate or accentuate that decline, but young people also suffer brain injury, disease, and other limitations on cognitive ability. Age is not a sufficient reason to believe someone is stupid."

Her text really makes sense. And we are not trying to belittle anyone. "Adorable old people” is obviously better than mean-spirited, dismissive remarks about aging, but it may not be the best description of these pictures. But as mentioned in the intro, we look at these individuals as simply good human beings.

#9

Maureen The Legend

Maureen The Legend

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#10

This Is My 96 Year Old Grandma, Willie. She Survived The Great Depression, Being Hit By A Fire Truck And Being In A Coma, And Losing Her Husband At A Young Age. Now She Drinks Liquor And Smokes Cigars, Still Lives Alone And Hits On Younger Men. I Love Her With Everything I’ve Got

This Is My 96 Year Old Grandma, Willie. She Survived The Great Depression, Being Hit By A Fire Truck And Being In A Coma, And Losing Her Husband At A Young Age. Now She Drinks Liquor And Smokes Cigars, Still Lives Alone And Hits On Younger Men. I Love Her With Everything I’ve Got

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#11

My Parents Sent Me This From Their Retirement Community Today

My Parents Sent Me This From Their Retirement Community Today

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#12

This Couple Re-Creating Their Marriage Photo 70 Years Later

This Couple Re-Creating Their Marriage Photo 70 Years Later

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#13

I Lost My Dad At Walmart And Ended Up Finding Him In The Garden Section Watering Plants

I Lost My Dad At Walmart And Ended Up Finding Him In The Garden Section Watering Plants

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#14

The Fact That He Still Carries The Pic Around Is So Precious

The Fact That He Still Carries The Pic Around Is So Precious

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#15

My Grandpa’s 88th Birthday Was A Few Weeks Ago. My Sister Got Him A Coloring Book And Crayons. He Says He’s Never Colored Before, But He Seems To Enjoy It. He Shows All His Visitors The Pages He’s Finished. He’s Colorblind, So Some Of The Puppies Are Pink, But He’s So Happy. He Melts My Heart

My Grandpa’s 88th Birthday Was A Few Weeks Ago. My Sister Got Him A Coloring Book And Crayons. He Says He’s Never Colored Before, But He Seems To Enjoy It. He Shows All His Visitors The Pages He’s Finished. He’s Colorblind, So Some Of The Puppies Are Pink, But He’s So Happy. He Melts My Heart

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Vanessa Clarke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw can someone please buy him a pair of those specs that help colourblind people see colours please!!

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#16

My Neighbor Almost Had My Mom Worried For His Safety

My Neighbor Almost Had My Mom Worried For His Safety

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#18

Made Me Smile

Made Me Smile

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#19

I Live Abroad. My Grandparents Called Me To Urgently Check The Security Web Cams Of My House Back Home. Turns Out They Called So I Could See Them Standing With A Heart And Waving At Me

I Live Abroad. My Grandparents Called Me To Urgently Check The Security Web Cams Of My House Back Home. Turns Out They Called So I Could See Them Standing With A Heart And Waving At Me

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#20

Dad Went Out In The Snow To Feed The Birds, And Made A New Friend! It's Official, He's A Disney Princess Now

Dad Went Out In The Snow To Feed The Birds, And Made A New Friend! It's Official, He's A Disney Princess Now

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#21

An Old Man Taking Pictures Of His Wife Without Her Realising

An Old Man Taking Pictures Of His Wife Without Her Realising

AnyRandomRedditor Report

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Kirsten Kerkhof
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The BEST reason for a smart phone with a good camera. Taking pictures of those you love.

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#22

A 76 Yr Old Retired Air Force Colonel Is No Match For His 4 Year Old Granddaughter

A 76 Yr Old Retired Air Force Colonel Is No Match For His 4 Year Old Granddaughter

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Kirsten Kerkhof
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care how tough you are - if a toddler says you're a princess then you are a princess!

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#24

Grandpa Brings Dog To Furniture Store To Make Sure She Likes Chair Too

Grandpa Brings Dog To Furniture Store To Make Sure She Likes Chair Too

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#26

My Dad Thought He Was Taking A Picture Of My Kids And Accidentally Had It On Front Facing. It Fills Me With Joy That This Is What His Face Looks Like When He’s Watching My Kids. He’s A Great Dad

My Dad Thought He Was Taking A Picture Of My Kids And Accidentally Had It On Front Facing. It Fills Me With Joy That This Is What His Face Looks Like When He’s Watching My Kids. He’s A Great Dad

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#27

My 97-Year-Old Grandma Doesn’t Use Computers, But I Found A Meme Years Ago That I Thought She’d Like So I Sent It In The Mail. Turns Out She’s Kept It At Her Bedside Ever Since

My 97-Year-Old Grandma Doesn’t Use Computers, But I Found A Meme Years Ago That I Thought She’d Like So I Sent It In The Mail. Turns Out She’s Kept It At Her Bedside Ever Since

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#28

They Dated In Their Teens, Married Different People, And Got Back Together 65 Years Later. My Grandma And Her Boyfriend

They Dated In Their Teens, Married Different People, And Got Back Together 65 Years Later. My Grandma And Her Boyfriend

Burkenstockss Report

#29

When You Can’t March In Protest, You Scoot In Protest

When You Can’t March In Protest, You Scoot In Protest

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#30

My Grandpa Mac, 92 Years Old, Just Got New Security Cameras Around His House. He Has My Cousin, Aaron, And I On The Online Login (He’s Not Too Computer Savvy) So We Can See What’s Going On. He Sends Us Random Messages Through The Cameras

My Grandpa Mac, 92 Years Old, Just Got New Security Cameras Around His House. He Has My Cousin, Aaron, And I On The Online Login (He’s Not Too Computer Savvy) So We Can See What’s Going On. He Sends Us Random Messages Through The Cameras

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#31

Aww Good Husband

Aww Good Husband

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BIG FOOT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this guy on tv! Me and my family were watching and we see him like every cub game on tv!

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#33

My Mom Died Of Covid June 8th. I Found This Her Writing On The Back Page Of This Blank Book I Gave Her Years Ago

My Mom Died Of Covid June 8th. I Found This Her Writing On The Back Page Of This Blank Book I Gave Her Years Ago

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#34

My Mom Is Almost In Her 60’s And Started Her Weight Loss Journey Around This Time Last Year! 85 Pounds Down!! It’s Never Too Late To Change Your Life!

My Mom Is Almost In Her 60’s And Started Her Weight Loss Journey Around This Time Last Year! 85 Pounds Down!! It’s Never Too Late To Change Your Life!

_bbennyy Report

#36

Did A Christmas Scavenger Hunt. This Is What My Grandpa Sent For 3 Wise Men

Did A Christmas Scavenger Hunt. This Is What My Grandpa Sent For 3 Wise Men

Origami_kittycorn Report

#37

My Grandad Being All Giggly When He Was Chatting About His Childhood And All The Mischief He Got Up To Behind His Mothers Back!!!

My Grandad Being All Giggly When He Was Chatting About His Childhood And All The Mischief He Got Up To Behind His Mothers Back!!!

UnpreparedSugar Report

#38

My Mom Got To Visit Snow White - Her Favorite Princess Since She Was A Little Girl. My Mom Retired Friday And This Was Her First Trip To Disney Ever

My Mom Got To Visit Snow White - Her Favorite Princess Since She Was A Little Girl. My Mom Retired Friday And This Was Her First Trip To Disney Ever

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#39

Grandpa Humor Is My All-Time Favourite

Grandpa Humor Is My All-Time Favourite

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#40

Bob The Wise

Bob The Wise

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Michelle M
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sound advice. I'll insert myself as the someone. No one can love you better than yourself

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#42

Grandma With The Drip

Grandma With The Drip

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#43

My Grandmas 94 Last Week. She Has Dementia And Is Bed Ridden But She Still Has Her Good Spirits. She Loves This Teddy Bear My Cousin Gave Her. So If Me And My Mom Are Feeding Her And She Starts To Fiddle, She Holds Onto It. Love Her So Much

My Grandmas 94 Last Week. She Has Dementia And Is Bed Ridden But She Still Has Her Good Spirits. She Loves This Teddy Bear My Cousin Gave Her. So If Me And My Mom Are Feeding Her And She Starts To Fiddle, She Holds Onto It. Love Her So Much

sarahcantfunction Report

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#45

My 92 Year Old Grandpa Holding My Parrot For The First Time. He Insisted That I Take A Photo Of Him So He Could Print It Out To Show His Friends

My 92 Year Old Grandpa Holding My Parrot For The First Time. He Insisted That I Take A Photo Of Him So He Could Print It Out To Show His Friends

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#46

My Nana Is Bored So She’s Keeping Me Fresh During The Quarantine

My Nana Is Bored So She’s Keeping Me Fresh During The Quarantine

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#47

Sent A Picture Of A Final Fantasy 7 Character To My Mum Thinking She Looked Like Her, She Recreated The Look And Pretty Much Nailed It

Sent A Picture Of A Final Fantasy 7 Character To My Mum Thinking She Looked Like Her, She Recreated The Look And Pretty Much Nailed It

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#48

This Is My 85 Year Old Physics Teacher, Him And His Wife Just Had A Light Saber Fight

This Is My 85 Year Old Physics Teacher, Him And His Wife Just Had A Light Saber Fight

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#49

My Grandpa Has Alzheimer’s And Can’t Always Remember His Grandkids Names, So We Custom Made A Shirt That Has All Our Names And It’s His New Favourite Shirt

My Grandpa Has Alzheimer’s And Can’t Always Remember His Grandkids Names, So We Custom Made A Shirt That Has All Our Names And It’s His New Favourite Shirt

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#50

This Is A Selfie My Dad Sent Me

This Is A Selfie My Dad Sent Me

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Note: this post originally had 106 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.