Thoughts on Ageism

Ageism, a form of discrimination based on age, is a pervasive issue that affects individuals in numerous aspects of their lives. Ageism encompasses various forms of prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination that target older adults, leading to detrimental consequences for their psychological well-being, social inclusion, and economic stability.

Ageism has been around longer than the debate of pineapple on pizza. Throughout history, societies have often valued youth and beauty while disregarding the wisdom and experience that comes with age. From limiting employment opportunities to shaping societal norms, ageism has embedded itself deep within our cultural framework.

Ageism is like that annoying relative who thinks they know everything about you based on one family gathering. Older adults are often subjected to stereotypes like being technologically inept, forgetful, or even resistant to change. It's as if the moment you hit a certain age, people assume you can no longer grasp the intricacies of modern life. But hey, what do they know? They're probably still using flip phones.

Institutional ageism is like that annoying automated voice you encounter when trying to reach customer service—impersonal, frustrating, and just plain unfair. This type of ageism is embedded in policies, practices, and systems that limit access to resources and services for older individuals. From healthcare to finance, institutional ageism can make navigating the world a whole lot more challenging for seniors.

Discrimination against seniors can be as subtle as a backhanded compliment or as blatant as denying them opportunities solely based on their age. Society often forgets to include older adults in important conversations and decision-making processes. It's like they think they're outdated and have nothing valuable to contribute. Newsflash: we are the original influencers, and our wisdom is priceless.

Ageism can do a number on an individual's self-esteem. Constantly being bombarded with messages that depreciate our value based on age can make some older adults question their worth and identity. It's like society expects us to stop growing and contributing just because we've celebrated a few more birthdays. But guess what? We are still rocking our  leather jackets and dancing like nobody's watching.