Ageism is the over-generalization, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination that occurs based on someone’s age. Ageism directed toward older adults is everywhere – sometimes in subtle but more often than not in very obvious ways. We begin to lump entire groups of people together based on generalizations and stereotypes. Although this occurs for all age groups (we even have labels for generations of individuals such as Baby-Boomers, Millennials, Gen X, or Gen Z), ageism is typically applied to how this plays out for the older adult. As our population ages along with the percentage of population over the age of 60 years old, so will the prevalence and impact of ageism.

 Anti-ageism and not anti-aging is a better way to frame getting older.

How we “see” age is shaped by complex social, cultural and emotional factors that lead to assumptions, beliefs and expectations about age. Older adults are often described with terms that imply frailty, slowing down or loss of independence. These concepts tend to focus on and describe the more physical signs of age. Of course, not all older adults experience these physical signs of age to the same degree or at the same time or rate as others. Nonetheless, because these changes are visually obvious, it is easy to equate these changes with a loss of vitality with age and apply it to everyone (like judging a book by its cover).  But aging is more than just the physical and bodily changes that occur throughout the lifecycle. Many positive changes can occur and accentuated with age such as an emotional and cognitive maturity, increased tolerance, spiritual growth, compassion and empathy for others. For many a sense of resiliency emerges, that allows one to better manage, adapt to and compensate for any physical changes. This inner strength coupled with the wisdom of years is acknowledged, and revered in some cultures. In the US negative attitudes far out weight the positive despite the incredible value these traits bring to the lives of individuals and society.

Ageism influences not only how others “see” older adults but also how we see and feel about ourselves. These generalizations and stereotypes become ingrained in our own thoughts, interactions, activities and behaviors and ultimately how we feel about ourselves. A billion-dollar wellness culture and media industry thrive on this promoting mostly the negative aspects of aging. This industry promotes the idea that old age in itself must be “fixed”, reversed or eliminated; fueling a generation of people focused on anti-aging. An anti-aging focus fueled by the negative does not allow for a sense of peace, acceptance and comfort in the present moment but instead a pursuit of the fountain of youth or longing for the past and at the same time fear of changes the future may bring.

Even how we ourselves see the changes of age is influenced.  Have you ever caught yourself saying… “He (she) looks amazing for her age” rather than “He (she) is amazing”? It is not anti-aging we should be pursuing but a holistic idea of ageing than can be celebrated.  An Age Celebrated philosophy goes beyond the physical to include a sense of being valued, emotional wellbeing, resiliency, spiritual growth and compassion (to name a few).

 Negative attitudes toward ageism does more than affect how we feel, it is associated with poorer health. We expect to feel a certain way, move a particular way, perform or achieve a limited number of activities with age. Expectations drive attitudes, which drives behavior and ultimately drives outcomes or results. In other words, ageism leads to poorer physical or emotional health.  A person’s thoughts about age in their 50s impacts their own health and wellbeing in their 70s. In fact, a research study measured self-perceptions of aging in 660 people in their 50s and again up to 23 years later. (American Psychological Association 2002). Those with more positive perceptions lived on average 7.5 years longer. Of course, you might think this is due to the fact that people in their 50s have a more negative attitude about aging if they were less healthy, lonely or of lower socioeconomic status. It is interesting to note that this finding of greater longevity was present even when these factors were controlled suggesting that there are other reasons for this finding.

• Knowledge on ageing
• Comfort with older adults
• Attitudes toward aging.

The most helpful strategies in order of benefit produced were education, inter-generational contact.

1. Change our Attitude

Bring awareness to your own thoughts about aging and check your negativity at the door. Just being aware of these thoughts when they occur goes a long way toward changing your attitude and your actions.

2. Education and Awareness

Use situations of ageism as teaching moments for yourself and others. Talk about the effect that negative attitudes can have on others. Remember that ageism is so ingrained in our society that we may not identify it when it is obvious let alone in its more subtle forms.

3. Celebrate Each Day

Each day is a gift. This is quite the paradox from the perspective of ani-aging. If we approach each day as a gift, even with hardships, we automatically combat our own internal ageing dialog.

4. Avoid Assumptions

Assumptions can get us into trouble. Do not assume that someone cannot perform a particular activity, is less happy or engaged because of  their age or less interested in being involved or included.

5. Inclusivity and Value

Find ways to include others, capitalize on their strengths and value them as an individual. We each have our own unique stories and experiences just waiting to be shared if the opportunity arises.

6. Power of Language and Imagery

Language and imagery are both very powerful. The words we chose or the images we identify with have a strong influence on our attitudes and behaviors as well as those of others. Remember the example above, “He (she) looks amazing for his (her age)?” What about the statement, “I am having a senior moment.” Younger adults also forget things or get distracted, are they having a “younger moment”?

The imagery that comes to mind with ageing is impactful. What imagery first comes to your mind when asked to think about an older person sitting and resting. Is the image that comes to mind:

• sitting alone in a recliner in a dark living room or
• engaged with others or their dog on a park or garden bench after a walk.

When you look in the mirror do you focus on:

• facial wrinkles?

           or

• a sparkle in the eye?

 7. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude everyday. This helps to see the positive through the negative. Gratitude allows you to focus on what is important and appreciate the little things in life even during times of loss or difficulty.

 8. Set Priorities

Just like gratitude can encourage positivity, setting priorities can focus on what is truly valuable rather than what society defines as valuable.

 9. Embrace compensatory strategies and problem solving

If something becomes more difficult, is there a strategy to employ so you can work around the challenge? Can you use problem solving to get the task done? Can you embrace a new way of doing something as a job well done, or challenge well received? For example, if you are having trouble walking do you choose to stay home or do you instead choose to walk in a park with level paths and park benches to rest?  Or use a wheelchair for long distances so you can get “out and about” and stay engaged?

 10. Connect with younger generations

Finally connect with people in younger generations. This is a win-win for everyone as we learn from each other, share experiences, knowledge, wisdom and gratitude as people- regardless of age!

Feature Photo Credit: Image by Freepik