We hear a lot about ageism these days. Like…"too old to run the country.” There are a lot of seniors out there who are sharper, smarter, and wiser than any 30 or 40-year-old! So, let’s talk about this problem.
Imagine a party...
It's supposed to be a fun night with friends, but there's this one guest who just won't leave. They hover over conversations, make unwelcome comments, and generally bring the mood down. That's ageism in a nutshell. It's everywhere – work, healthcare, travel, politics, even your grandma's favorite bridge game.
Ageism is basically the belief that just because you've been around a while, you're somehow less than your younger counterparts. Society whispers this unwritten rule: "Hey, you hit a certain age? Party's over for you."
First Example!
Take work, for example. Sarah, a rockstar accountant in her 60s, applies for a promotion. She's got the experience of a seasoned explorer who's charted financial territories unknown. But the hiring manager keeps asking if she can handle "all this newfangled technology." Like learning a new spreadsheet is akin to piloting a spaceship. Sarah walks out feeling like a dusty old calculator next to a sleek smartphone. Never mind that she’s not going to take off work to have a baby. She’s going to show up every day. She probably won’t be doing drugs and her background check will pass with flying colors. Plus, if she learned how to use a slide rule back in the day, she can learn anything!
In Healthcare? Never!
Healthcare isn't much better. James, a retired carpenter with knees that groan more than a haunted house door, visits his doctor for some persistent pain. The doctor takes one look at him and says, "Ah, just the usual aches of getting older. Here's some ibuprofen, Grandpa." Turns out, James had a sneaky condition that proper medical attention could have addressed. But thanks to ageism, James might have to kiss his skiing days goodbye (along with his dreams of winning the senior Olympics).Obviously, this doctor saw ageism, while James chose to see another doctor!
Clueless Leaders?
Social life? Don't even get me started. Mary, a sprightly 75-year-old with more energy than a toddler hopped up on pixie sticks, joins a local community group. They have outings, they have snacks, and they have bingo (which Mary secretly loves). But most activities seem designed for people who haven't graduated from high school yet. Think dodgeball and selfie contests. Mary feels like a misplaced antique in a room full of fidget spinners. Mary decides to speak up! The 22-year-olds haven’t a clue what 75-year-olds want. Nor have they asked. Mary decided she and her new friends would decide what events should get on the calendar. Voila! Ageism is gone, and respect enters.
So, how do we kick this unwanted guest out?
Well, for starters, we need to challenge these ageist attitudes. We need the media to stop selling drugs on every channel. They should show older adults who are kicking butt and taking names, not just sitting in rocking chairs. We should show the Senior Olympics, the 60s plus softball games, the dating apps, and all the travel seniors do without dragging along ageism!
Because here's the thing: age is just a number. It doesn't define your potential, your wisdom, or your energy. Let's create a world where everyone gets to play, regardless of how many birthday candles they've blown out. Now that's a party worth attending!
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