Summer Heat and Older Adults
Staying Safe and Healthy
On April 7th, the New York Times Sunday Crossword clue for 46 Down read: “Unlikely donors to AARP.” The answer: AGEISTS.
Ageism is a particular pet peeve of mine, mostly because I don’t believe in it. That isn’t to say ageism does not exist, of course. According to a 2022 poll conducted by the University of Michigan, 93% of older adults report experiencing age discrimination.
This includes everything from younger folks assuming a parent or grandparent doesn’t know how to operate a smartphone to being passed over for a job.
However, I reject ageism because, like most stereotypes, it is unhelpful and potentially harmful. While external prejudices can be threatening, what’s often more harmful is our own internalized beliefs. We frequently place unnecessary limits on our lives because we tell ourselves we’re unable to learn new technology or compete with younger colleagues. Yet, the reality is that at every age we are capable of whatever we set our minds to.
When repeatedly confronted with intolerance, even the most resilient individuals can fall victim to toxic mindsets. After repeatedly hearing the same criticisms, it’s hard not to think: “Maybe I am too old. Maybe I can’t do this.” When our abilities are repeatedly questioned, it can erode our own sense of self, may increase stress, and lead us to feel excluded. It undermines both our mental and emotional health.
We no longer see ourselves as the competent and experienced individuals we truly are. We think we aren’t able to learn a new skill or undertake a new hobby. So, when we try something, and there is some struggle involved, we can view it as confirmation. This reinforces the harmful views of older adults we see and hear all around us.
Combatting one’s own internalized ageism can be hard work. We have to refuse to take on or even unlearn negative beliefs by consistently challenging them and reframing how we view ourselves. Remember and embrace the positive aspects of maturity, such as wisdom, knowledge, and personal growth. Every age comes with advantages and disadvantages. It’s important not to assign value to numbers.
Going a step further, it’s important to stay open to taking risks and trying new things. Pick up a new hobby or rekindle an old passion. Travel to a new-to-you destination just to show you can! There’s no better way to fight negative self-talk than by proving it wrong.
Watch your thinking! Let me know if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m too old for that.” I’d love to hear especially how you respond when you catch yourself thinking that way!