Redefining Aging: Fighting Back Against Ageism and Stereotypes

In our world that often values youth and perpetuates aging stereotypes, the women in our Sixty and Me community can help drive change. A push back on ageism and aging stereotypes led by older women. Women who refuse to be defined by society's narrow expectations. In this video I talk about the value of older women especially in challenging times to push back against aging stereotypes.

We are rewriting the narrative, challenging the notion that aging diminishes currency, relevance and beauty. I believe that older women embody strength, wisdom, and resilience, defying the limitations placed upon them by ageist assumptions.

Do you agree?? How are YOU rewriting the narrative and pushing back on aging stereotypes?

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[Cindy-bee]

Thank you Margaret. The other day I was out shopping and saw a woman in her 70's walk by wearing motorcycle leathers and carrying her helmet. She was tiny in stature and looked like a typical granny type otherwise with a stylish haircut and full makeup. She was alone so clearly riding by herself. I was curious so watched as she came out of the store and went to her motorcycle. It was a smaller bike not a harley but still a full on motorcycle. Yup she got on it and drove away all by herself. Unexpected for sure but I say hats off to her.

[Harry-fkof]

I know I'm not your demographic and who you're aiming these videos at, in any way, but as a 37-year-old I genuinely take inspiration from your approach to life and that is super valuable. I see older men and women more than I used to, I'm interested in them and would love to see more older people be celebrated in the mainstream, be inspired by them, and learn from them. To me, as long as we're alive, we're relevant, and we have something to offer no matter our age.

[bobbiewilliams]

Margaret I so enjoy this community and bless you for all you do. This topic is really intriguing, because I would love to know how these ideas get perpetuated. At 71, I am blessed to still be with my husband of 51 years (truly my best friend as well), I have my health, and a positive and grateful outlook on life. Since there is only one alternative to continuing celebrating birthdays, I enthusiastically look forward to many more celebrations. I am sure that some older people fit those outdated stereotypes, but I am equally sure that some younger people do as well. We can change these societal misperceptions by living our best lives, sharing the knowledge we have earned in living longer years and presenting the best versions of ourselves. Also, by giving ourselves grace on the days that isn’t happening! Thanks for all you do. I loved your videos on the cruis.💕😊

[janetkenny]

Thank you for bringing this into the conversation. It is so interesting when I stopped coloring my hair a year ago and embraced my snowy white pixie cut, I started noticing a shift in how people talk to me, and make assumptions about me in relation to appearance. I am turning 63, and consider myself very current and capable! If I need help I ask for it, and at times pay for it!!! I need to be more vocal and “educate” on ageism. Recently I was at a manager training in my workplace on the struggle to retain workers and how we need to accommodate millennials, the trainer actually said “thankfully, the boomer generation is about done working.” I didn’t stay quiet and challenged him on that! The implication was we can’t work well across generations! BS 😊 I’m a fabulous leader in my Division, and have a diverse group in my team!

[ellyscrafts]

I feel better about myself now at almost 62 then i did when i was younger. I don't care about looks as much as I used to, I stopped wearing makeup and grew my hair long and strut my stuff with the best of them. I think I am beautiful inside and out and if someone thinks that we older women can't stay young at heart that's their

[carolineeccel]

Let's stop redefining everything. Accept and adapt. Those who make fun of "old women" will one day be old themseves. Then those behind them will make fun of them. Such is the nature of man. Whether you're accepted or not do your part. I like company and solitude. I don't need a companion with me. I just go. Life is a gift, live it. Stop looking over your shoulder. 😊

[vernakg]

I for one have needed to hear all these things. I had begun to pray for a partner so I wasn't alone. Coming up on 67 and being single, and the guy I had been conversing with for over 13 years has just ghosted me so I am thinking G-d sent your posts to me as a way to alter my thinking and turn me around. Currently, I am dealing with a lot of changes, decluttering, downsizing, and the loss of my confident put me in a tailspin. Thank you for this group.

[pgiberti]

Thank you for addressing the important topic of ageism. Some societies place much emphasis on youth while losing the experience and wisdom of people who are older.

[LesleyGreenwood-wbnm]

Margaret I agree with everything you say and I am certainly going out into the world today with more confidence and a spring in my step 😊

[ginnylangpap]

Your best commentary yet, Margaret. Thank you. I'm so grateful to be part of a community of fierce women like you!

[loveblue]

I'm always floored by the marginalization of the old in American society. It's like it's a crime to grow old or something.

One thing that drives me insane is when I see posts by older people online that are replied to with "...ok, boomer." So, we're not supposed to share our opinions after we reach a certain age??? Please.

My sweet mom had a saying for ageism - "...keep livin'; watch what happens." 😊

[jan-christinejohnson]

Margaret, When my military boss retired and moved on, I was in shock about other employers afterwards. I am still in excellent health and happiness with a MBA in Marketing. Thus, I retired last year ...

[lorisandison]

We've also seen the changes throughout the decades and can see the various effects of those changes, whether positive or negative. Our perspective is difference than someone who is still young and hasn't experienced much of life yet. We might not always agree with everything, or we might agree with some, but our opinions are based are based on knowledge, experience, as well as personality traits and bias.

[denisel]

I love your channel Margaret and have been watching for years...even before I was in my 60's ☺ My feeling about stereotypes of ANY kind, is they are just revealing the ignorance of the person who believes them. Basically they just don't know what they are talking about. Now, at the age of 62, I can honestly say I don't worry so much about them, because eventually life and experience will show people who buy into stereotypes just how mistaken they have been. So many of us here bust all of these stereotypes and can't even relate to a lot of them. Rather than defend or push back, we can go on living our best lives and the ones open to it can be inspired by us and learn from us. A lot will, and some won't but we can't control that. I think your channel and all the content you produce is a perfect example of teaching by example. You are so inspiring and your following speaks for itself. Just by being YOU you are breaking stereotypes. Thank you❤

[kathleenphillips]

Thank you, Margaret. I like what you said about connecting to beauty.

[jomalcolm]

thanks very much Margaret. Uplifting and sincere, and well thought-out. Made my day bright !

[delanahealey]

A really great video. Thanks Margaret.

[vickylee]

Thanks Margaret. This was great advice ❤

[mrdarcy]

Wonderful topic Margaret. I've really enjoyed your sharing this subject. I've recently watched an interview with the actress now film producer Justine Bateman. She's written a wonderful book called "face" about women accepting our line's and wrinkles as a badge of honour.. It's certainly got me thinking about this. I have always worried about aging..and listening to Justine speak about accepting ourselves and loving ourselves as we are. It's such a freeing thought.😊

[charlenebrownlow]

PTL Margaret…excellent episode; being more mature allows us to appreciate life, finally learning, we are responsible for our individual attitude which affects how we experience naturally maturing. Each day is an opportunity to experience our desires in our sphere of influence 💯💌!