Ageism

Let’s face it: if you’re alive, then you’re getting older.  You would think that would mean most of us would be a bit more accepting of older adults.  After all, we’re all on the same journey.   Unfortunately, there are many ways that our society sends a strong message that getting old is a bad thing.   It’s a time when we becomewrinkled, hard of hearing, can’t see clearly and are less productive.

Ageism Awareness Day falls on October 9th.  It is intended to draw awareness to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.  Ageism is a way of thinking about older people and the stereotypes we have related to aging.  Quite often it’s something we do while unaware that we’re doing it.  It may be as simple as treating older adults as if they all have dementia, or it may be in the comments, jokes and other negative messages we have about aging.   Ageism is one of the most widespread forms of prejudice in America, and unfortunately, it’s also one of the most socially accepted.  

Ageism can result in poor health care, like when an older adult is denied treatment options based on how old s/he is, or having depression go undiagnosed due to the belief that all older adults are depressed.  Sometimes older people are told that pain is a normal part of aging while a younger person would receive pain control medications.  Pain is consistently undertreated in elderly patients.  

In the healthcare industry, elderly individuals are less likely to be included in clinical trials and are less likely to receive preventive care.  They’ve been taught to think that all older adults are depressed, crabby and unhappy…so much so that when they have a bad day, even they believe it’s normal!

Prejudice in the workplace is not uncommon when you’re elderly.  If you don’t retire at 65, people begin to question whether you’re still capable of doing the job.  You may not be taken as seriously because of the belief that all older people struggle with memory issues.

Ageism in advertising is common.  Think of how many commercials you’ve seen lately that show an older person in a positive manner.  Usually it’s targeting how they need life insurance so they don’t leave their children responsible for their financial debt, or how they’ve fallen and can’t get up!

Age affects each of us differently. We all age at different rates. We are all unique.  Yes, some people will develop dementia or become deaf or blind with age.  Some might become incontinent or show other signs of age-related disorders…but not everyone!  Ageism limits us and encourages us to deny a time in our lives when we can contribute so much!  

Don’t think of old age as a time of loss.  Think of it as a normal part of life.  Not when we forget all we knew but recognizing that we have a lifetime of experience and are more certain of ourselves.  We are each distinct and extraordinary…just as we were when we were younger.  Let’s celebrate older adulthood, not as a time when things are reaching an end but recognizing the experience and wisdom that have brought us this far into the golden years!