The Subtle Ageism We Commit Against Ourselves
(and How to Shift Our Attitudes)
It’s no surprise that we’re steeped in a culture that values youth over maturity. Negative stereotypes about aging are everywhere. We’re taught from birth to be anti-aging.
Even when you know ageist attitudes are ridiculous, the constant bombardment of negative messaging can allow subtle forms of ageism to seep in and affect us.
When that happens, we can even become subconsciously ageist towards ourselves. And while ageist attitudes from outside may be easier to spot, the ageist messages that spring from inside us can be harder to recognize.
Examining and confronting these under-the-radar forms of ageism can have amazing benefits for your health and well-being.
Studies show that those with positive attitudes about aging live over seven years longer than those with negative attitudes. But more than that, having a pro-age attitude can fill every year of your life with new opportunities, amazing adventures, loving friends and family and a new desire to embrace everything this life has to offer.
How do you know if these subtle forms of ageism are impacting you? Below are five ways ageism can affect you or women you know—and how to shift to a pro-age mindset.
1. Letting your age dictate your lifestyle
Some people take it easy later in life. Others get busier.
No longer occupied with making a living or raising children, many find this is a great time to spend quality time with family and friends, take on new or forgotten hobbies or even start a new business or venture.
But some women find it harder to navigate this time of life. After a lifetime of negative messages about aging, they believe they’re “supposed” to do certain things at certain ages. This belief can get in the way of going for what would actually be gratifying out of fear it’s inappropriate.
There’s nothing wrong with taking it easy or starting new endeavors as we age.
Whatever you choose to do, do it because you want to, not because someone told you that’s how people your age are supposed to behave.
What’s possible for you depends on your attitude, not your age.
2. Dressing “your age”
There are a lot of messages out there about how women should “dress their age”—and specifically what women should look like and wear.
Our suggestion? Go for fun!
Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of what the style mavens say about it.
Colors, cuts and styles don’t mean nearly as much as how you feel in your clothes. When you feel good, you look good. You radiate confidence and confidence is beautiful.
3. Fear of looking your age
The beauty industry tells us that the worst possible thing we can do is allow ourselves to look our age—and then markets a multitude of products and services designed to disguise every sign of aging.
All that messaging can weigh on us.
Our founder Cindy Joseph taught us this: If you catch yourself considering a new beauty routine—like dyeing your hair or using anti-aging products—check your motivation. Are you motivated by fun? Or fear?
The personal choices you make regarding makeup, hair dye and other beauty treatments are yours and yours alone. But making those decisions from a place of fun, excitement and celebration will make the results much more enjoyable for you.
If you find you’re motivated by fear, you may want to rethink that particular choice. Instead, find ways to love yourself as you are. Find inspiration in pro-age women you admire and then do what pleases you.
4. Forgetting to dream
No matter your age, there’s time to dream and go for what you want.
Many Boom women have begun new endeavors or careers later in life. Boom Ambassador Kim Bomberger began a new career in communications at 50. Then, at 60, she started her own portrait company.
Our own Cindy Joseph embarked on a new career as a silver-haired model at 49 and co-founded BOOM! at 61.
It’s never too late to follow your dreams. Nor are you ever too old to start dreaming.
If you find yourself rejecting your desires because you think it’s inappropriate to want those things at your age, consider looking with fresh eyes. You’re never too old to go after what you want—unless you think you are.
5. Neglecting your health
Part of rejecting ageism is taking time for self-care—and addressing your own health needs at every age. That means taking time to exercise, meditate, eat well and engage in activities that give you pleasure and benefit your health.
Shifting away from ageist attitudes and toward a more pro-age lens is so beneficial for your long-term health and well-being. Loving yourself has benefits at every age. Thank you for being a pro-age inspiration!
Do you recognize unconscious ageism in yourself? What do you do to combat it?