Unproductive, inactive, lonely, slow, no libido. How did negative stereotypes about older people take shape?

Joseph Coughlin, the director of MIT’s AgeLab explores the root of these assumptions in his book The Longevity Economy.

In the 1800’s there was a seemingly logical theory about aging in western medicine;

everyone was born with a finite amount of vital energy,
and when it ran dry, you died.

When “symptoms” of decreasing vital energy like gray hair, wrinkles, and menopause appeared, the treatment was straightforward; hold on to your dwindling energy at all costs by resting, eliminating physical exertion like sex, and restricting certain foods. Basically slowing down to do nothing and have no fun. Seems comical today, but stereotypes have a way of enduring.

Breaking down stereotypes can seem impossible. Political divisions, and our current reckoning with racism are clear examples, but ageism is a peculiar form of discrimination given that everyone (if lucky) will be old.

“Watch out for that old driver.”
“She looks good…for her age.”
“I’m too old to try that.”

Do you make ageist quips? All “isms” like racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia are intolerable and unacceptable, but ageism (and probably sizeism) is widespread and weirdly accepted.

Did you see the recent Saturday Night Live skit with Maya Rudolph where she plays a senior citizen in a nursing home who couldn’t hear? SMH. Making fun of hearing loss is so dated, unfunny, and unoriginal. You wouldn’t tease a deaf young person or someone who lost function of a body part.

Just needed to vent.

I feel okayish about getting older. It’s part of life so
fighting it is futile. Better to adapt, be flexible
and proactive about living well.

Start by seeking out stories that challenge the narrative that getting old is a horror to fix, avoid, or criticize.

Here is some of my fave inspiration:

• Want to change how you feel about getting older in 11 minutes? Watch Aging Activist Ashton Applewhite’s kick-ass Ted Talk that shatters ageist stereotypes.
• Explore the website Ageist – a place where middle age is celebrated as your prime time in life. Founder David Harry Stewart illustrates the truth about getting older, and calls out the media and marketers who fail to accurately represent middle-agers in his
  Ted Talk.
• If you’re thinking about going gray (I started a few months ago), take a look at Instagram accounts @grombre and @jackmartincolorist where gray hair is embraced and celebrated.
• Read the amazing story about Instagram fitness influencer @trainwithjoan who transformed her body and life in her 70’s.
• “How Old is Old?” Watch this surprising conversation on AARP’s Disrupt Aging site (yes, AARP!)

Expectations and beliefs are powerful. Learn to recognize ageism, and don’t tolerate it, even if you’re the source.