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High Expectations

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  1. Expectations - Overview
  2. Expectation 1 You should expect to be listened to, valued, and respected
  3. Expectation 2 You should expect knowledgeable and compassionate health care
  4. Expectation 3 You should expect to get medications that will only make you feel better, not worse
  5. Expectation 4 You should expect never to be abandoned or forgotten
  6. Expectation 5 You should expect not to live a life of loneliness or depression
  7. Expectation 6 You should expect to live life as pain-free as possible
  8. Expectation 7 You should expect never to be the object of prejudice or abuse
  9. Expectation 8 You should expect to get the help you need to live life to the fullest
  10. Expectation 9 You should expect to live up to your potential and have hope for the future
  11. Expectation 10 You should expect to be in control of your life and understand what is happening to you
  12. Expectation 11 And most importantly... You should expect never to be taken advantage of except for your talents, knowledge, and wisdom
  13. Reflection Activity
  14. Course Feedback - Expectations
  1. High Expectations
  2. Expectation 11 And most importantly… You should expect never to be taken advantage of except for your talents, knowledge, and wisdom
Lesson 12 of 14
In Progress

Expectation 11 And most importantly… You should expect never to be taken advantage of except for your talents, knowledge, and wisdom

Robert Stall MD

You’ve spent a lifetime gathering experiences, growing through challenges, and building a wealth of knowledge. You deserve to be recognized for your wisdom—not targeted because of your age.

Unfortunately, some people see older adults as easy to manipulate—whether financially, emotionally, or physically. But being older doesn’t make you vulnerable. What makes you vulnerable is being excluded, overlooked, or not taken seriously. That’s why the most important expectation is this:
You should never be taken advantage of—unless it’s to celebrate, learn from, and honor the talents, knowledge, and wisdom you’ve earned.

You are not here to be used—you are here to be valued.

Whether it’s through mentoring, sharing your story, leading in your community, or simply offering a listening ear, your presence is a gift. Your voice matters. Your insight matters. And your contributions still make a difference.

Action Plan

1. Know the Red Flags of Exploitation
If someone pressures you for money, isolates you from others, uses guilt or manipulation, or makes decisions without your input, it may be a sign of exploitation. Don’t ignore your instincts.

2. Protect What Matters
Keep personal and financial information secure. Review your legal documents and talk to a trusted advisor about setting up protections like powers of attorney or guardianship—your way, on your terms.

3. Stay Involved
Being active in your community, family, or faith group helps build supportive connections that reduce the risk of being taken advantage of—and increases opportunities to share your gifts.

4. Speak Up if Something Feels Off
You have the right to question, pause, or say “no” to anything that doesn’t sit right with you. No explanation needed.

5. Share What Only You Can
Your life experience, resilience, and perspective are priceless. Be proud to offer them—and expect others to treat your contributions with the respect they deserve.

You are not here to be used. You are here to be honored. Expect to be appreciated for who you are and all you bring—nothing more, nothing less.

Final Reflection: You Are Still Becoming

You’ve explored a series of lessons designed to remind you of something deeply important: Your life matters—at every age, in every stage.

You are not defined by limitations, losses, or what others expect of you. You are defined by your voice, your values, and your vision for the life you want to live.

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve read and what it means for you.