Ageism in my culture can be quite harsh. People openly make comments like ‘बुढा-बुढी मान्छेहरु घरमै नबसेर के बाहिर तिर हिँडी बसेको?’ (Budha-budhi maancheharu gharmai nabasera ke bahira tira hidhi baseko?) which translates to ‘Why are such old people walking around? They should be at home.’
This ageist attitude is often gendered, with aged women facing shaming for their lifestyle choices. For example, people might say ‘आइमाई चैं बुढी ना बुढी, नक़ल चैं के सार्हो पारेको ?’ (Aaimai châi budhi na budhi, nakal chai ke sarho pareko?) which means ‘She’s so old, but look at her with all that makeup and fashionable clothes.’
These comments reflect deeply ingrained stereotypes and prejudices against the elderly, especially women.
There are many more comments that might sound obscene, ruthless, and heartless to the readers here, and I can’t publish them, but this has been going on for a long time and is seen as normal.
The Basics of Ageism
Ageism is discrimination based on a person’s age. It often involves negative stereotypes and prejudices against older adults but can affect younger people as well.
Ageism can show up in the workplace, healthcare, or social situations, leading to unfair treatment and limiting opportunities for those affected.
Essentially, it’s judging someone simply because of how old they are, rather than their abilities or qualities.
Intersectionality and Ageism
Ageism often overlaps with other types of discrimination like sexism, racism, and ableism. In Indian society, caste, class and community matter a lot too. This means older people who are women, from marginalized castes, or have disabilities face extra and unique challenges.
For example, an older woman might face both ageism and sexism, making it harder for her to find a job or get proper healthcare. Similarly, an older person from a lower caste might deal with both ageism and caste discrimination, making it even tougher to access services and fair treatment.
When I was a child, I often saw older women, mostly from poor financial backgrounds and marginalized communities, with grey hair, tattered clothes, and untidy appearances being labeled as ‘bokshi’ (witches). This harmful stereotype added to their struggles, showing how deeply connected and damaging these prejudices can be.
Ageism in Media
In media, ads, and entertainment, there’s a big focus on the young crowd. But this leaves older people out, as if they’re not cool enough for the spotlight. This isn’t fair and it adds to ageist ideas.
When everything’s about youth, older people get left behind. They’re hardly seen or heard, which perpetuates the stereotype that getting older means you’re not as important or interesting.
In the entertainment field, ageism often mixes with sexism, making things even worse. In India, female models and actresses over 40 are sometimes trolled as “buddhi” (old woman), and the misogyny gets out of hand. This kind of behavior is not just mean; it’s downright disrespectful.
We need to change this. We should make room for older voices and stories too. Everyone’s experiences matter, no matter their age. It’s time to balance things out and give everyone a chance to shine.
The Cost of Ageism
Ageism hurts older workers and our economy. When older people face barriers to employment, get paid less, or have fewer chances to advance in their careers, everyone loses. Companies miss out on valuable experience and skills. Age-diverse workplaces are stronger and more innovative. Keeping experienced workers benefits businesses and boosts the economy. Let’s value everyone, no matter their age.
Tips for Older Adults
If you’re feeling alienated or unable to live a fully satisfying life, remember: the issue lies in their mindset, not your abilities. Here are the best tips to implement:
1. Feel Normal: Aging is a natural part of life. Just like flowers bloom and wither, and children grow up, everyone ages.
2. Be Confident: Wear what makes you feel good. Confidence is key to expressing your true self.
3. Watch Your Health and Diet: Take care of your body with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A healthy lifestyle supports a vibrant life.
4. Stay Socially Active: Engage in social activities and maintain connections with friends and family. Talking to people is important for your mind and feelings.
5. Keep Learning: Challenge your mind by learning new skills or hobbies. Learning new things throughout your life keeps your brain active and sharp.
6. Protect Your Finances: Keep your bank account secure and be cautious of scams. Regularly review your financial statements and consider consulting with a financial advisor.
7. Stay Physically Active: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Exercise helps maintain mobility and overall health.
8. Seek Regular Medical Checkups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can catch potential health issues early and keep you informed about your health status.
9. Express Yourself: Engage in activities that allow you to express your creativity, such as writing, painting, or gardening.
10. Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and issues that affect older adults. Knowledge is empowering, which you can implement to educate other people whenever you need or want.
11. Volunteer: Giving back to the community can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Look for opportunities to volunteer in areas that interest you.
12. Prioritize Mental Health: Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re feeling depressed or anxious. A healthy mental state is as important as a healthy body.
13. Plan for the Future: Consider your long-term needs and make plans accordingly, whether it’s regarding healthcare, living arrangements, or legal matters.
14. Challenge Ageist Youngsters: Use your wisdom and experience to counter ageist attitudes. Share your knowledge and perspectives confidently.
15. Spread Humor: Use humor to lighten the mood and connect with others. Laughter is a great way to build relationships and improve well-being.
16. Stay Tech-Savvy: Utilize technology to stay connected with loved ones, manage your finances, and access information. Taking online classes can help you stay updated.
Keep showcasing your full potential at any age.
Message to Those in Their Mature Age
I want to tell all the people who are in their mature age that you should be mature enough to live your life as per your wishes. Your wishes, desires, and self-love matter the most.
We can’t stop the trolls, and we can’t change the mindset of others, nor were we born to change others’ mindsets. But all you can do is be yourself.
Remember: sometimes it is not just the age that makes you old, it is the attitude and your belief. Age is just a number, yes, it is.
Questions to Ageist and Sexist Mindsets
If you’re in your 20s and find yourself trolling, humiliating, and alienating older people, just pause for a moment and reflect. Do you think you’re immune to aging? Do you believe that after a certain age, people no longer have any desires or aspirations? Is it truly courageous to mock and shame those who have lived longer than you? Do you assume you’ll maintain the same body and strength forever?
Imagine an adolescent group denying you the chance to join them, simply because they think you’re too old. How would that feel? How would it feel if they judged you based solely on your age, ignoring your abilities and qualities?
Consider how it would feel if your accomplishments and experiences were dismissed just because of your age. Would you like to be told that your opinions don’t matter anymore simply because you’ve aged? What if you were overlooked for opportunities, not because of your skills or talents, but because of a number?
In a socially conservative society like India, ageism hurts all genders, especially those from financially unsound backgrounds. The bizarre thing is the age-shaming of women celebrities over 40. The way trolls cross boundaries on social media is hard to stomach.
Remember, turning 40 is normal; it takes time and experience to reach that stage. Society often expects women to be submissive and loyal to its norms. However, it’s crucial to value people for their abilities and contributions, not judge them based on age.
Think about the wisdom and life lessons older people can offer. Reflect on the fact that aging is a natural part of life that everyone will experience. Who knows if death is coming nearer to older ones or the younger ones? After all, nothing is permanent, from youthful bodies to aged ones.
Challenge yourself to see beyond age and gender stereotypes. We all deserve respect and recognition, no matter our age. Let’s build a society that values each individual’s contributions and experiences, creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Healthcare Disparities and Ageism
Ageism in healthcare leads to unfair treatment of older patients, like rationing care or dismissing their concerns. This isn’t just wrong—it’s harmful. We need age-inclusive healthcare policies that ensure everyone gets the care they deserve, no matter their age.
It’s crucial to advocate for fair and equal access to healthcare for people of all ages, promoting a system that values and respects everyone.
Shining a Light on Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is a dark reality in our society. Let’s shed some light on it.
Too often, older individuals suffer from mistreatment in various forms: physical, emotional, and financial. It’s heartbreaking to think that those who should be respected and cared for are instead being harmed. Ageism plays a role in this—when society devalues older people, it can make them more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
But here’s the thing: we can’t let this continue. We need to raise awareness about elder abuse, educate people on how to recognize the signs, and advocate for prevention and intervention efforts. Older adults deserve to live with dignity and respect, free from harm.
So, why does this matter? Because every older adult deserves to be safe and protected. It’s on all of us to stand up against elder abuse, challenge ageist attitudes, and create a society where older individuals are valued and cared for
Reimagining Aging and Intergenerational Solidarity
Let’s challenge outdated views on aging and love the richness of life at every stage. Aging isn’t just about decline; it’s about valuable experiences. Encouraging cooperation and knowledge exchange between young and old benefits everyone. This helps create a stronger, more inclusive community for all ages.
Political Advocacy and Activism
Political advocacy and grassroots activism are crucial in fighting ageist policies and practices. It’s important for passionate individuals to organize and push for legislative changes that promote age equality, protect the rights of older adults, and ensure age-inclusive social programs and services.
Conclusion
Ageism is about treating people unfairly because of their age. It’s not just about old folks; young people can face it too. In India, ageism often targets older women, especially if they’re poor or from marginalized communities. It shows up everywhere, from hurtful comments to unfair treatment in healthcare and work.
But it’s not just a problem—it’s a harmful cycle that hurts us all. When we don’t value older people, we miss out on their wisdom and experiences. It’s time to change that. We can start by challenging ageist attitudes, advocating for fair treatment, and building a society where everyone, regardless of age, is respected and valued. Let’s stand up against ageism and create a world where every stage of life is celebrated.
What are examples of ageism?
Ageism is unfair treatment based on age. In the workplace, older people might not get hired or promoted as much as younger ones and could be the first to be let go during layoffs. They might also be pushed to retire early.
In healthcare, doctors might not take older patients’ problems seriously, often talking to younger family members instead. Many medical studies don’t include enough older people, so treatments might not be well understood for them. In the media, older people are often shown as weak or forgetful, and there are fewer older characters in movies and TV shows, which makes aging seem bad or unimportant.
Technology is often not designed with older people in mind, making it hard for them to use. There is usually not enough help available for them to learn new technologies. Social interactions can suffer because people might use patronizing language or assume older adults can’t do things on their own, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
In housing, older people might struggle to rent or buy homes due to age-related biases. Some communities only allow older adults, separating them from younger people. Finally, older adults might have difficulty getting loans or credit because banks think they won’t be able to pay it back due to their age. These examples show how ageism can negatively affect older people’s lives.