Have you ever said, “I’m too old to learn that,” or “I don’t have the energy for this anymore”? If so, you’ve brushed up against something surprisingly common — self-directed ageism. That’s when we start to believe the negative messages about aging that we’ve heard all our lives, and we unknowingly turn those beliefs inward. Instead of seeing wisdom and experience in the mirror, we see decline or limitation.
Self-directed ageism can creep in quietly. It might show up as hesitation to try something new, or a lingering worry that others are judging you based on your age. It can make you doubt your abilities or dismiss your desires — whether it’s taking a class, meeting new friends, or even exploring technology. You may start to believe that age is a barrier, when in reality, it’s simply a new chapter waiting to be written.
The tricky part is that self-directed ageism doesn’t just affect how we feel emotionally. It’s also linked to physical health, memory, and even how long we live. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.
By acknowledging these thoughts when they arise, we can start to replace them with something far more powerful — a renewed sense of curiosity, confidence, and creativity. And that’s where this blog series comes in. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how creativity, in its many forms, can help rewire how we see ourselves and our future.
No one gets to define what “old” means for you. You have the right to reinvent yourself as often as you like. Let’s start by letting go of the idea that aging is a slow decline. Instead, let’s think of it as a time to rediscover joy, purpose, and self-expression.
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