Ladies, does any of this sound familiar?
You heard that normal blood pressure readings should be 120/80 or less but yours is higher. Your healthcare provider tells you it is okay, after all, you are older.
You are letting your hair grow long but your hairdresser consistently tries to convince you to cut it short because older women don't look good in long hair.
You tell the clerk in a store that you want a cute outfit for a backyard party and she directs you to the brand with elastic waist polyester pants and flowered shirts.
I do not know about you, but stuff like this makes my blood boil. I either feel like I am my completely misunderstood and invisible! It also invokes feelings of being overlooked, undervalued, and ignored. This phenomenon is known as ageism. It can negatively impact a woman's sense of self-worth and overall well-being.
What is ageism exactly? Well, ageism is a form of discrimination, which in itself should not be tolerated. It involves stereotyping or discriminating against a person or group based solely on age. Surprisingly, it can be directed at people of any age. Most commonly, we hear about age discrimination occurring among older people in the workplace. Fortunately, that is not allowed by law. However, ageism is in play any time someone perceives that an older person cannot participate in activities, dress a certain way, or make decisions because they are older.
Why does ageism occur? First, our culture is obsessed with youth and beauty. Older women are often seen as less attractive and less desirable. The media depict older women as clueless or frail. Well-earned facial lines are considered something to be erased or filled. Second, older women may be viewed as unable to be productive, particularly in a society that values productivity and efficiency above all else. Some people assume we cannot effectively use electronics or understand complex situations. Finally, older women are treated differently by the medical establishment, perhaps because we are perceived as having already lead a long life or because the financial cost of treating illness is too great or reserved for younger people. Older people may be under-represented in some medical research that could directly benefit their age group.
What can I do? Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this sense of invisibility. One way is to challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes by speaking out and advocating for change. Another way is to stay active and engaged in your community, whether through volunteering, participating in hobbies and activities, or pursuing new interests and passions. Here are some tips to help you become visible again:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about the myths and stereotypes associated with aging, and the negative impact they can have on individuals and society as a whole.
2. Speak up: When you hear someone expressing ageist views, challenge them politely. Explain why their comments are harmful and suggest a more positive perspective.
3. Promote diversity: Encourage diversity in media and advertising by supporting products and services that depict a range of ages and lifestyles.
4. Volunteer: Get involved in programs that support older adults, such as mentorship or outreach programs. This can help break down stereotypes and build intergenerational connections.
5. Lead by example: Embrace aging as a positive experience and live life to the fullest. Challenge stereotypes by sharing your own experiences and demonstrating that age is just a number.
By challenging ageist attitudes and stereotypes, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for people of all ages. Additionally, it's important to prioritize self-care and self-love. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health, and recognizing your own worth and value as a human being. By doing so, you can reclaim your sense of visibility and power, and live a fulfilling and meaningful life at any age.
