Confronting Ageism to Build a More Inclusive, Powerful and Pleasure-Filled Future

By Polina Smith

In the wake of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, the first female Mayor of San Francisco and a significant political trailblazer, questions about ageism have surfaced in the national discourse. Is 90 too old to be in the Senate? Should there be mandatory retirement? Is President Biden too old to run in 2024?

Age-based stereotypes are not merely a concern within the realm of national politics; they seep into our workplaces, neighborhoods and homes, touching the lives of everyone from your co-workers to your favorite aunt in Wichita.

Ageism Unveiled: Beyond Generational Divides

Ageism, the deep-seated prejudice based solely on age, permeates our culture, media and workforce. It’s a subtle yet insidious '-ism' that persists, often unchecked. "Ageism is this odd ‘-ism’ in that it’s still socially acceptable in many ways," says Joann Montepare, PhD. The root of this prejudice often lies in a lack of understanding and connection with the elderly, perpetuated by the increasing segregation of age groups in our society.

The disconnect from the wisdom of older generations continues to increase as families spread out for work and opportunity, eroding the rich tapestry of shared experiences that once bound the family unit. Subsequently, media and entertainment echo these biases, further embedding ageist stereotypes into the collective consciousness. But why this divide? Is it based on fear, competition for resources or simply ignorance? The fight against ageism takes many forms, and some remarkable individuals and organizations are leading the charge. Here are some women who are reshaping mindsets through their phenomenal work.

Vicki Larson, ‘Not Too Old for That: How Women are Changing the Story of Aging’ author

San Francisco Bay Area author Vicki Larson is a media maven and powerful advocate for rethinking attitudes about aging. She is dedicated to empowering feminists and tackling ageism through education and activism. The former longtime lifestyles editor, writer and columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, she continues to bust ageist and sexist narratives about aging as a woman and women’s sexuality and desire through her writing. Published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Newsweek, AARP’s The Ethel, The Huffington Post, Medium and elsewhere, her voice serves as a bullhorn for women of all ages, inspiring others to challenge societal norms.
*Photo Credit: Kim Thompson Steel*

Ashton Applewhite: Ageism as a Call to Action

Ashton Applewhite has become a powerful voice since she began blogging about aging and ageism in 2007. Recognized by The New York Times, National Public Radio and the American Society on Aging as an expert on ageism, she founded This Chair Rocks, a platform aimed at dismantling ageism and promoting intergenerational understanding. In 2022, she was named one of fifty leaders “working to transform the world to be a better place to grow old” by the UN’s Decade of Healthy Aging platform. Through her insightful writings and talks, she encourages society to embrace the diversity of experiences that come with age and to help create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live long and live well.
*Photo Credit:* *www.instagram.com/thischairrocks* *by Ashton Applewhite*

Isabella Rossellini: Redefining Beauty through Activism

Isabella Rossellini is a trailblazer in redefining beauty standards. Her advocacy goes beyond the superficial, delving into the core of societal perceptions about aging and beauty, proving that beauty knows no age. She has fun showing her active life by curating her own popular Instagram page @isabellarosselini which has 812K followers!
*Photo Credit: Zhong Lin for Vogue Italia cover, via* *www.models.com*

Nancy Pelosi: Ageless Political Prowess

Stateswoman and House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi has defied age-related prejudices by becoming one of the most powerful democratic voices of this era. Elected as the first woman to be Speaker of the House in 2007 in her late 60s, she is considered one of the most effective speakers in U.S. history, playing a pivotal role in passing epic legislation like Obamacare, AIDS research and policy legislation, and even saving American democracy on January 6, 2021 by keeping a cool head and reconvening the House. She is a bold voice for women’s equality, abortion rights and the “wholesome” benefits to democracy of electing more women. Her leadership exemplifies the power of experience and wisdom, breaking down barriers in politics and showcasing that age is not a hindrance to making a difference.
*Photo Credit: Tumay Aslay, Seismic Sisters*

**Oprah Winfrey: Shattering Taboos on Menopause**

Oprah Winfrey is a fearless advocate who has shattered taboos surrounding menopause. Telling her own story of how she struggled to find out what was wrong and why she had seemingly strange symptoms like heart palpitations and sleeplessness in mid-life, she wanted to share her experience of discovering menopause and fill a gap in media coverage on the issue. In her now famous ‘The Menopause Talk’ Oprah hosts an unguarded conversation with Drew Barrymore, Maria Shriver, Sharon Malone, MD and Heather Hirsch, MD on the topic. O, The Oprah Magazine, also addresses issues related to aging, women’s health and societal stigmas. Through open discussions and informative sessions, she has sparked vital conversations about aging.
*Photo Credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy Stock Photo.*

Change: Where Do We Begin?

Confronting stereotypes begins with introspection. Are we perpetuating stereotypes? Are we unconsciously favoring younger colleagues? Are we using derogatory terms that reinforce ageist beliefs? The language we use can either perpetuate stereotypes or dismantle them. It's time to abandon derogatory phrases like "old geezer" and "fossil," replacing them with respect and appreciation for the wealth of experience older individuals bring.

Beyond Peaks: Embracing Life’s Later Chapters

Illustration Credit: Mark Long as shown in The Guardian’s
‘13 Peaks we Reach at Age 40 or Later’

Recent studies have highlighted the concept of ‘peaks’ in life, indicating that some of our most significant achievements and personal growth occur later in life, around the age of 40 or beyond. These peaks encompass career achievements, emotional intelligence and personal fulfillment, showcasing the richness of experiences that come with age. For instance, many individuals experience a peak in emotional intelligence in their 40s, allowing for deeper and more meaningful interpersonal connections. Career fulfillment peaks often occur in the 40s and 50s, as individuals have accumulated substantial experience and expertise, leading to greater job satisfaction. Additionally, the peak in life satisfaction tends to be in the 50s, indicating a sense of fulfillment and contentment with one’s life.

The Guardian recently ran an inspiring article titled, “Never past your prime! 13 peaks we reach at 40 or later – from sex to running to self-esteem.” It sets out to debunk the myth that life peaks in youth. Life really can keep getting better as we age!

Building an Inclusive Future Together

In the shared journey toward equality, age should never be a hurdle. From girls to grandmas, each generation offers unique perspectives and strengths that enrich our collective tapestry. The challenge is to confront ageism together, recognizing the inherent value in every individual, regardless of their age. By dismantling stereotypes and embracing the wisdom of our elders, we pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future for all.

About the author: Polina Smith is a staff writer for Seismic Sisters.