Ageism: The “Ism” We Love to Ignore

Jun 19

Written By Nathaniel Steele

In a world that takes racism and sexism seriously, ageism is often left unchecked, treated as a punchline rather than the gut punch it often is. This article dives into the myths and realities of aging, challenging stereotypes that diminish the achievements and capabilities of older individuals. Discover how age can be a catalyst for innovation and success and why it’s time to recognize ageism as a serious issue that impacts millions. Learn from history’s ageless achievers and explore how you can help combat this pervasive bias. Are you ready to rethink what age really means? What are your thoughts? Let me know here in this blog.

Ageism: The “Ism” We Love to Ignore

Imagine calling someone a racist or sexist and getting a good chuckle in response. Unthinkable, right? Yet, when it comes to ageism, it’s as if we’ve all agreed to treat it like a punchline rather than the punch in the gut it often is. It seems ageism is the one “ism” that still gets a pass in polite conversation.

Ageless Achievements

Let’s debunk the myth that being older means being mentally or physically deficient. History is rife with examples of people who accomplished incredible feats in their later years. Ray Kroc was 52 when he turned McDonald’s into a global franchise, and Colonel Sanders was 62 when he founded KFC. These aren’t just anomalies; they remind that age is just a number.

These achievements challenge the stereotype that age limits potential and highlight how experience and wisdom can drive success. Rather than being a barrier, age can often be a springboard for innovation and accomplishment.

And speaking of numbers, how about a fight with Mike Tyson? At 58, I doubt many would want to take him on in the ring. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, now 59, is often labeled as part of the “young generation” in politics. Is she young, or does she simply live with vibrancy and tenacity that defy age? As for me, at 62, I’m apparently a schoolboy again. Who knew I’d be considered part of the youthful crowd?

Experience Counts

With age comes experience, and while not every older person is wise, let’s face it—seniors have seen more. They’ve weathered storms that younger generations can’t even fathom, and they’ve learned a thing or three along the way. Sure, they’ve got stories about walking to school uphill both ways, but those tales are packed with lessons learned from decades of life.

Older adults often possess skills that younger people have yet to develop, such as:

Emotional Intelligence: Research by Carstensen and Mikels (2005) suggests that years of interacting with diverse personalities enable older adults to navigate social complexities and conflicts more adeptly.

Perspective and Wisdom: Baltes and Staudinger (2000) highlight that the long view gained from decades of life helps make balanced decisions and understand the broader impact of actions.

Patience and Resilience: Studies by Charles and Carstensen (2010) indicate that having lived through various life challenges, older individuals tend to be more patient and resilient when facing adversity.

In the past, in my workplace, there was always one person asking me when I was going to retire. It appeared as if he was interested in my job. He went out and found a similar job, and now he’s no longer interested in my retirement. This experience reminds me of what Joe Madison would say, “Don’t ask me to pass my torch; I’ll help you light yours.” I can help you light your torch so your life burns brightly, but my torch is mine to keep.

Debunking Myths

Opponents might argue that seniors are slower and less mentally alert. While cognitive decline can be a reality for some, it doesn’t define the entire senior demographic. In fact, many older adults remain mentally sharp and continue to contribute actively to society. Research shows that staying physically and mentally active can help maintain cognitive functions well into later life.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, a common form of dementia, with the percentage increasing to about 33% for those aged 85 and older. However, not all mental aging issues are as severe as Alzheimer’s. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can involve issues with memory and thinking but does not significantly interfere with daily life, affects about 15-20% of people aged 65 and older.

For people aged 40 and below, MCI is significantly less common. Cognitive issues in younger individuals are more often linked to other factors, such as medical conditions or injuries, rather than age-related decline.

Consider Dick Van Dyke, who, at 96, was reportedly still doing his own stunts and jumping onto desks like it was nothing. Then there’s the story of Julia “Hurricane” Hawkins, who, at 105, set a world record for her age group in the 100-meter dash. She started running at 100, proving it’s never too late to lace up your sneakers. These examples illustrate that age often brings the determination and discipline necessary to achieve remarkable feats and that mental vitality can be maintained well into advanced age.

The Serious Side

Ageism isn’t just a harmless joke—it’s a serious issue that affects millions of people. According to the World Health Organization, ageism can lead to poorer physical and mental health, increased social isolation, and even a shorter lifespan. Statistics show that those experiencing age discrimination are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. It’s time we stop laughing it off and start addressing it with the seriousness it deserves.