Have you been a victim of ageism? I know I have, especially because I have grey hair and I stand out as a target. I’d like to think that this doesn’t exist anymore, but my experience says different. I remember leaving my last job at 58 because my job description changed so that a masters degree was no longer required and younger bachelor-prepared less experienced people were being hired (I was devalued) and since I was at the top of the pay scale I would no longer be able to get a raise (I was deflated) and I was micromanaged as if I needed to be watched (I was demoralized). I sensed that I was being discriminated against because of my age! Long story short – I resigned because life was too miserable to continue there.
As I see it, there are two types of ageism going on today. One from the outside and one from the inside.
Outside
Ageism from our culture assumes we will deteriorate, become impaired, are less capable and less valued. Once you reach a certain age you hear:
Now that you are 65 it’s all downhill from here
Aren’t you too old to be doing that?
Don’t you think you should slow down now that you are retired?
Take it easy or you might hurt yourself
This is the beginning of the end
Inside
Ageism we tell ourselves is based on a stereotype we believe to be true. For example:
I can’t get healthy because my parents weren’t healthy
I can’t do that because I’m too old
I can’t wear that because only young people wear that
I don’t think I can start a new business because I’m too old
I don’t think they will relate to me because I look old
I say STOP talking yourself into what you are not.
You might have years and years of life, but you are also smarter, wiser, more capable, more stable, more flexible, more confident, more assertive, probably richer and healthier than when you were younger. What’s not to like about that! You have it in you to have a completely different experience than what your family had. All you have to do is reframe your beliefs and shift into a different mind-set. Try these:
B – Be the best you can be
E – Eliminate talking about how old you are and stop telling your age
L – Live fully to your potential
I – Investigate new-ness: new relationships, new experiences, new opportunities
E – Enjoy every day to its fullest
F – Free yourself from negative thoughts, words, and people
It’s time to resist the cultural stereotyping that has you in a box.
It’s time to realize you are amazing and have many years left to create yet another amazing chapter in your life doing what you love and loving what you do.
This is your time, so what will you do with it?
Lifestyle Coaching is a great way to help reshape out-dated beliefs. Why not give it a try by signing up for a FREE sample session with me. Click the link below and let’s connect!
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