George Carlin (1:27 – 3:01):

On his 70^th birthday, George Carlin reflected on his experience of growing old.  Rather than speaking about experiences of primary aging such as slower reflexes, reduced memory recall, diminished eyesight, and slower cognitive processing speed, Carlin explores the perceptions of old age in those around him.  There are three main theories of aging; disengagement, activity, and continuity.  Carlin, at least for comic effect and in making a larger point, views aging through none of these three perspectives.  Instead, he muses about how common perceptions of aging may be used to his advantage and comic delight. Here is an excerpt of Carlin's performance (1:27 – 3:01):

Erik Erikson spoke of a ninth stage in the developmental process and lamented that there is no space in our society for the elderly.  There are no longer elders, just old people.  Instead of trying to combat ageism, Carlin promotes turning it against the people who harbor such views for personal gain.  In all likelihood Carling would actually engage in such behavior.  Still, his larger point is clear.  The absurdity of ageist prejudice is clear when describing a strategy that has an aging person who is not coping with the assumed and extreme stereotypical ailments be perfectly lucid enough to manipulate the ignorant ageists in his midst.