“Let’s Go Girls!” is the empowering call from Shania Twain’s 1997 hit, Man, I Feel Like A Woman. Just by listening to it today, I feel like I can do anything. It’s a powerful rally cry coming from Shania. However, being addressed repeatedly as “girls” recently, felt like the complete opposite of this: demeaning, and… Continue reading “Let’s Go Girls!”
Tag: Ageism
Senior People
Senior management. Senior partner. Put the word “senior” in front of “judge” or “senator” and it conjures up an image of extensive experience, vast knowledge, and confident leadership. Now, place the word “senior” in front of domestic labels: senior care, senior portion and senior home. The image is one of fragility. Gone is the impact… Continue reading Senior People
Older And Progressive
There are many ageist beliefs that I’ve seen at work, but the idea that older teachers are more conservative in their methods than the younger ones is a pet peeve of mine. Perhaps you’ve seen it in your job, where the younger employees assume that the older ones are out of touch and backwards? They’ll… Continue reading Older And Progressive
The Power Of Age
Getting older is a good thing. I know that can be difficult to believe at times when you look in the mirror and barely recognize the face looking back at you. People will say that they feel the same inside as they did when they were 30 or 40 years younger. But do they really?… Continue reading The Power Of Age
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
Internalized Ageism
How do I feel about aging? Retirement comes with the acknowledgement that time has passed and I am older… old. Then the internal conflict begins: I don’t feel old. I don’t want to be old. Do I? Seniors’ Day At Shoppers It’s that incongruous feeling that I got for the first time many years ago… Continue reading Internalized Ageism
Retired, And Now What? 