Ageism – Strategies to challenge ageist stereotypes against older people.
Song – ‘Don’t stop me now’ Queen
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Ageism against older people is a big problem due to stereotyping of someone because of their age.
The word Ageism although generally a term used for older adults can also include younger adults E.g. A younger person may be discriminated against due to inexperience, immaturity or deemed not to be responsible.
Lets look at the meaning of the word AGEISM. It sounds trendy right? Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on a persons age. However, I am delving into Ageism against Baby Boomers aged 64 years onwards and older generations and how we can work to change stereotypes surrounding older people.
For myself, I am a Baby Boomer aged 68 years young and passionate about living a long and healthy life but without conforming to ageist stereotypes. Without a doubt it is inevitable the body will change as it ages. Wrinkles, age spots, thinning hair, muscle mass loss, hearing loss, vision changes are just a few of the changes that can and will occur as you age.
As individuals we can address or slow down some of these issues through regular exercise, diet, keeping up with health checks, challenging our brain and the use of aids such as hearing or walking aids.
However, how can we go about changing attitudes to prevent prejudice and discrimination towards the aging population?
One way is to speak up against ageism whenever you come across it. This could be in conversation, online, through media and advertising or calling out against ageist practices and stereotypes.
Some language inadvertently reinforces stereotypes of ageing by saying things like ‘I’m too old for that’ or ‘back in my days’ . Other ways of saying that could be ‘I like to try new things’ or ‘I have a lot of experiences to share’
Strategies to challenge ageist stereotypes include:
Actively listening to your grandchildren about their world and learning some of their terminology.
Sharing your own experiences and challenges with grandchildren and younger people and how you overcame them.
Volunteering in a group of various ages.
Mixing with younger people and talking in a positive way about getting older.
Taking up a new hobby or sport and talking about it with younger people.
Talking to others about embracing getting older and how you enjoy learning new things.
I have many friends and relatives in their seventies who are still very active in the workforce or volunteering, and they plan to continue for a long time.
My own sisters are great examples of how they defy the stereotypical notion of ageism. My eldest sister at 77 still plays competition tennis and regularly helps out with looking after her grand daughter which involves a 4 hours train trip. She also engages in her ongoing career of dressmaking.
My middle sister aged 75 is the founder, organiser and a volunteer worker of a charity involving the care, rehabilitation and rescue of donkeys from across NSW. She organises volunteers who help out and their ages range from early thirties to eighty year olds. She still regularly travels long distances across NSW to look after the health needs and care of donkeys including hoof trimming, grooming and dental care. She also educates donkey owners or donkey foster carers on the care and management of their donkeys.
I am fortunate to have sisters who are such inspiring role models who defy the stereotypical notion of aging. As a baby boomer I feel I can thoughtfully challenge ageism in a kind and respectful way, by using some of the examples above. I hope you share my sentiments and agree that through our actions and voices, we can help reduce discrimination and prejudice towards ourselves and ageism.
Till next time – ‘Keep on rocking and Rolling’
Kim
I liked the way you said we should speak up against ageism whenever we come across it. People should be made aware of it! Knowing my own mother is pure gold, and how I can still learn from her, is a gift I am continually grateful for.