“Can’t” Is Our “C-word”
So many organizations and institutions that serve older adults view their clientele as people who "can't."
Can't see. Can't hear. Can't walk unassisted. Can't remember. Can’t drive.
Can’t. Can’t. CAN’T.
Chalk these negative stereotypes up to #AGEISM, be it internalized and/or imposed on older adults by the rest of the world.
One of the problems with this #ageist mindset is that not only is it wholly inaccurate—it’s actually BAD FOR OUR HEALTH.
In fact, Yale University professor Dr. Becca Levy’s research revealed that people who feel better about aging age better and live longer—about 7.5 YEARS LONGER.
Conversely, those who solely view aging as a time of decline, loss, and helplessness, have shorter lifespans; not to mention shorter healthspans.
SO . . . How's about focusing on what we CAN do?
Here are just a few thoughts for people to consider:
1) We CAN age well.
We can prepare ourselves to live longer, healthier, more active lives. We can retool our diets to help us reduce our cholesterol, fat, and sugar intake—and increase how much protein, fruits, and vegetables we consume. We can walk and lift weights—even our own body weight—to make sure our bones and muscles stay strong in our older age. We can drink more water—and less alcohol—to ensure we stay well-hydrated, which will increase both our energy and our stamina. We can stay engaged in life—by connecting with people, current events, and new ideas. We can even make new friends—not just our own age, by from different age groups.
2) We CAN learn new things.
New hobbies. New skills. New ways of doing things. New technology. New languages. We can acquire new information and knowledge. We can start a new business—or businesses. We can reinvent ourselves—as many times as we like. We can become the people we always wanted to be, or were meant to be, or someone completely different altogether.
3) We CAN make a difference.
We can volunteer. We can mentor. We can tutor. We can help out our friends and loved ones—when they’re going through a hard time, and even when they’re not. We can share our time, energy, knowledge, and financial resources to help advance the missions—and increase the impact—of organizations that focus on the causes and issues we care about.
4) We CAN do whatever the heck we please.
We can go where we want when we want. Dress how we want. Where our hair how we want. Pursue the interests or passions or hobbies we enjoy. Read for pleasure. Write for pleasure. Eat ice cream for dinner (occasionally). Stay up late. Sleep in. Take a nap. Go for a walk. Go for a drive. Go for IT—whatever “IT” is.
Here’s what we CAN’T do:
We can’t let our own—or other people’s—#ageist stereotypes, prejudices, or completely inaccurate preconceived notions limit who we are, what we do, and how we grow older.
We can’t sit still—for #ageist beliefs or discrimination or injustices—that not only hurt us, but hurt the older adults of the future.
We can’t allow the organizations and institutions that have been created to serve US decide what WE need, what WE think, or how WE live. THEY are here for US—not the other way around. And as the saying goes, “Nothing about us without us.”
Right now, approximately 11,000 people are turning 65 EVERY DAY. And the same number are turning 80.
EVERY DAY.
There’s power in those numbers.
Power to create change. Power to chart a new path. Power to reimagine.
Today’s older adults will not be defined by what we can’t do. We have too much left to do, to enjoy, to contribute—and the world needs our knowledge, wisdom, and experience right now. Perhaps more than ever.
So let’s focus on what we CAN do. Together.
Because, we CAN reshape what older age looks and feels like. And more importantly, we MUST.