What Can You Do About Ageism?

Robin Bush, ISR Communications

Ask yourself, “What are some of the bigger challenges in getting older?” Often answers range from health and isolation to financial and fraud concerns. Nearly everyone faces one or more of these but there is one challenge that every older adult encounters daily in one form or another, and that is ageism.  Ageism is everywhere, in conversations, the media, and workplaces, leading older adults to feel devalued, often patronized, and invisible, and reducing self-confidence.  It’s so prevalent we rarely make note of it, yet it is damaging to personal, financial, and social well-being.  It can cause real harm like when an older person can’t find a job and has to move from their home because they can’t afford it without a salary. 

So, what can you do about ageism?

First, begin by noticing it.  Look at ads (how often do you see people over 70 in media except in ads for stairlifts, medicines, or products to make you look younger).  Listen to the way people talk (do people refer to themselves or others as, “too old for this” or “being a person of a certain age,” or “you look great for your age).  More than half of people older than 50 have been told they can’t do something because of their age.

Next, challenge ageism.  Talk about it at work, and at home when you encounter it.  Change your language to avoid using stereotypical phrases to describe older people.  Respect your older face and body (focus on health and longevity not on trying to regain your youthful body).  Catch yourself when thoughts of, I can’t or shouldn’t do that anymore” crop up and turn those around. Ask yourself why can’t I or why shouldn’t I do that?  You may need to modify activities due to the effect of years on strength or mobility, but you certainly can still do SOMETHING that feels good while you stretch to meet that perceived unattainable goal.  Don’t doubt yourself.  You only get further when you push against your self-imposed limits or the limits imposed on you by society.  Your challenge is to not let ageism be your aging challenge.