It’s an uncomfortable space to be in: the middle. With a career behind you and who-knows-what ahead, it is a place that feels lost and unsettling. Having retired from teaching over a year ago now, I’ve lived in this middle, liminal space. I thought it was a space to get through and get done with.… Continue reading Living in the “in between”
Category: Ageism
Acquired Disabilities And Cool Devices
Do you have your computer glasses yet? I didn’t even realize that they were a necessity until I started running into other people my age who had them. While discussing our mortgage with the woman in the bank, she squinted at her computer screen for a second before turning to put on her computer glasses.… Continue reading Acquired Disabilities And Cool Devices
Talking ‘bout My Generation*
The value of sharing ideas between generations is being recognized, and lamented. According to The Harvard Business Review, a huge wave of older employees retired during the pandemic and this has created a serious loss of “institutional memory, expertise, and loyalty.”*** There is no big population bubble to replace them. Subsequent generations are smaller. There… Continue reading Talking ‘bout My Generation*
Nothing Compares To Being There
In the digital age, it’s easy to think of progress as something that is created by new technology. A new app or Zoom conferencing or assistive technology can, and do, make life easier in many ways. I see tech companies plowing money into developing assistive devices for seniors.* But, tech. is a weak substitute for… Continue reading Nothing Compares To Being There
Forgive Yourself For Getting Older
When you meet a child that you haven’t seen for a while, the first thing that most people do is exclaim how much they’ve matured. “You’re so tall now! I hardly recognize you.” Imagine doing that to your aunt at your next family gathering. “You’ve aged so much! I hardly recognized you.” Laughable, right? We… Continue reading Forgive Yourself For Getting Older
Profile Picture Youth
Have you ever looked at photos of yourself and thought, “Wow, I look young in that picture?” I often keep my profile pictures for many years without changing them because I just forget about them. My face stays the same. Most of the time I don’t even notice it when I log in. But when… Continue reading Profile Picture Youth
Multitasking Myth
I used to be able to do it. I did it for years and it was necessary for my job. But now, I’ve lost my ability to multitask. I used to be able to re-direct three students while assessing another student, walk across the room to grab a missing worksheet, and drink my tea. All… Continue reading Multitasking Myth
Oh, Martha!
Did you see Martha Stewart on the cover of the swimsuit edition of that magazine? (This photo is not her) Some people were celebrating her appearance and marvelling that someone “her age” could look like that. For me, it’s her confidence and attitude that I applaud. She views ageism as “boring” and focuses on “good living.”*… Continue reading Oh, Martha!
State Your Age
It’s a little disconcerting to be at a family gathering and be faced with the fact that you’re part of the oldest generation there. I remember attending big family get-togethers when I was in my late teens and I was asked to sit at the kiddies’ table. Then, the oldest generation walked with canes, sat… Continue reading State Your Age
Greeting Cards Insult
Spring brings many birthdays in my life and I find myself doing the most difficult of tasks: shopping for greeting cards. Greeting cards are supposed to add to the celebration of a birthday or retirement but so often I find that they are backhanded compliments that leave a bad taste in my mouth. The jokes… Continue reading Greeting Cards Insult
Retired, And Now What? 