Ageist Humor in Birthday Cards.

There's nothing funny about growing old - is there?
Jokes about dentures and wrinkles and sex drive and bodily functions - not for the young, are they?
Why is there a whole genre of birthday cards designed to expound upon the horrors of growing old?
Even more important, why is there a whole hoard of insensitive consumers to support it?
Physically, I am fit (for my age), attractive (for my age), and healthy (for my age). Frankly, I am tired of qualifying such statements with "for my age!" Why should I have to? What numbskull conditioned me to think that growing old makes me less... anything?
Oh yeah, I remember. The Advertisers, the Media, the Hallmarks and the youth of America. Together, they fuel the depression many "older folks" feel.
And don't get me wrong- I agree that the younger set holds an attractiveness that I can't hope to compare myself to. I also agree that wrinkles, ailments and the like are inevitable and possibly unattractive.
But I believe, also, that I have met many attractive "older folks," made more so by their life experiences and perspectives - and yes, even their physical condition.
I lead an active lifestyle that includes biking, working out and an active social life - and this helps me to feel and look better. I suspect that those who don't care for their body by staying active may not feel and look better.
But let's not die by not trying! Too many people "give up" or "give in" to getting old. Many studies have shown that simply walking daily can drastically improve health and mental state as we age. Other forms of exercise, such as biking, aerobics or yoga have high impact on the mental state and don't wreak havoc on the body. Perhaps extreme sports may be out of reach for some of us as we age or our (involuntary) health deteriorates, but there is still so much of our lives we can control!
Personally, I vote that we create a line of birthday cards that celebrate the beauties of growing old - inspiration by example, success stories and motivational cards - and stop supporting Ageist-Humor greeting cards that year down our morale!