7 research-backed strategies to combat ageism
In a society that values the cult of youth, it can be difficult not to fear getting older. But the way people treat you as you age not only influences your own perceptions of getting old but it can actually accelerate the ageing process. Cassey University’s Craig Fowler and colleagues believe the key to successful ageing is to resist the ageism and ageist messages that pervade society.
According to Foweler’s research, the key to combat ageism is to create environments where we can age well. It acknowledges that most people feel uncertain about getting older, which creates both negative and positive feelings. If you create positive “ageing spaces” you're more likely to be less susceptible to ageism and feel much better about the ageing process. Here are seven strategies to help you create your positive ageing space.
1. Feel optimistic about getting older: Research from Yale University shows that the more positive and optimistic you are about ageing and the prospects of getting older, the longer you live.
2. Don’t attribute all behaviour to age: There’s a tendency to blame any kind of mistake when you’re older to the effects of ageing. But commonly there’s things that could happen to anyone at any age. Labelling yourself as old can lead yourself and others to treat you as less than mentally capable.
3. Refrain from ageing jokes: They’re meant to be jokes but they’re often just reinforcing ageist negative stereotypes, which could lead to self-fulfilling prophecies.
4. Plan for your future needs: Don’t pretend life won’t change in the future. You need to be willing to confront reality to plan and get ready for the changes that might affect you as you age.
5. Learn new technologies: There’s a prevailing belief that older people can’t learn new tricks, which is just not true. Not only does learning new things stimulate the brain, but defies ageist steretoypes.
6. Call out ageism when it happens: Help people who spout ageist remarks or jokes to see the folly of their ways by pointing out instances where it happens, and not just ignoring the comments.
7. Resist the anti-ageing industry: The unhappier you are about getting older, the more you’ll be susceptible to the “promises” of the anti-ageing industry.
Related links:
10 signs you’re too self-critical
Why we should let go of the pursuit of perfect