Thank you for alerting me to the option of plastic-less deodorant. Just finished ordering from a seller on Etsy. I have been trying to eliminate, or reduce, my purchase of items sold in plastic. It isn't always easy.
And as for ageism, ugh, it exists. Never realized how much, until I became a "senior". Needless to say, I have started to become aware of, while watching a movie or TV show, how the male lead is usually several years older than the female lead. I think the stereotype of older woman is subjected to a harsher judgement than their male counterpart.
Excellent essay! I’m 68 years old, born August 6, 1954. I really discovered ageism when I started looking for a new academic position. Unless you omit a large chunk of your life and experience it’s obvious from my CV that I’m not 30. Positions I was well qualified for didn’t even offer an interview. It was discouraging but I decided to embrace and enjoy retirement.
I’m 42, will be 43 in July. I find every year for the last decade I tend to not realize what age I am and have to think for a second before saying it. My body knows it isn’t 30 but my mind doesn’t. One of my first friends I made out of college was a coworker who was about 20 years older than me, my mom’s age--and around your age--but she got me into thinking about taking writing seriously because she dabbled in poetry. I’ve since lost touch with her but I realized then that friendships have no age barrier. I think what sometimes stops me cold is realizing what time I have left, could be tomorrow could be another 50 years, and trying to make the most of it. I am at the point I want my body to be moving for longevity and not for thinness and mobility is of utmost importance. Do it now so that in a few decades I can still hike, get off the floor easily, and not worry about falling. I really appreciated this essay.
Thank you so much for this particular letter. In May, I will turn 70. For a couple of years, I've taken online sean nos step dancing lessons from a fantastic dancer located in County Leitrim, Ireland. During the last class, someone mentioned that she was 69 and I told her my age. Then a woman from Australia chimed in that she was 72. We agreed that even though our bodies were not as limber as they once were, we would never stop dancing.Thank you again and the cake looks marveous.
You know, I didn’t know a thing about ageism until Instagram. Many of my friends on there post about it. Im 47 and a lot of my content is for the midlife woman, but I don’t make it “old.” I don’t think about “old.” And, I don’t feel old; I’m simply aging and that’s alright with me. I know my attitude about aging comes from my mama because she didn’t talk down on herself about aging. She wasn’t too happy about her wrinkles but that didn’t keep her down. Shoot, I’ve got a lot of life to live, God willing, and I’m gonna keep doing my thing as long as I’m here breathing. 👌🏽 I loved your post Janisse AND that cake recipe.
I loved turning 50 and have never been vain about aging. I turn 70 this year and feel good about my health and appearance. I am the first woman in my group of first cousins who let my hair go grey(most of them still dye their hair in an attempt to look younger and it's not working!), and I don't obsess about my weight or wardrobe. I tell anyone who's interested my age. My physician can't believe I take only one medication and I am still pretty strong. I joke about being an "old woman" but it is a joke. I don't mine calling myself old because I'm proud of it. While so many other women fear aging I am embracing it. I do have issues with how people treat me now, as if I am 'lesser than' because I am no longer viewed as being a productive citizen. I have a big issue with the way seniors are not respected in our country.
Once upon a time at a haircut appointment the hairstylist pulled out the couple of grey hairs she found on my head. Without asking me. I returned the favor by giving her a lecture on ageism. It’s everywhere.
As you know, I was eagerly anticipating this post, Janisse -- and you did not disappoint. So much food for thought, and good solid action items. Thank you! I think that ageism affects women disproportionately, at least in our Western culture. As you pointed out, that's not the case in some other cultures, particularly some Eastern and indigenous ones. Anyway, thanks much for taking up this banner, and doing it in such a clear and compelling way.
Thanks for your thoughts and reflections, Janisse.
It's easy to check online for writers who were first published when they were older. I love how they consider 40 to be "old" for having a first novel published! But there have been some huge successes for older authors. I really like the feature that Poets & Writers does in their Nov/Dec issue every year: 5over50. This past year (2022) one of the authors was Jane Campbell who published her first collection of short fiction at 80! It's called Cat Brushing. Haven't read it, yet, but it's on the list. We really do need to not look outward to the opinions of others as far as writing and publishing are concerned. If it's something we feel called to do, we should listen. One way or the other, there will be a way . . .
I’m 37 years old, born October 31, 1985. I am guilty of agism and was really oblivious about it. Thanks for writing this. I needed to hear it and I’m ready to do better. Love you!
I'm reading your newsletter about breaking age barriers in between advising with a college student and heading into class and preparing for my 17-year old to return from an overnight school conference. After 23 years at Warren Wilson College, I find myself in the category of campus elder at 57, mostly because I've been here for more than two decades. I've somewhat resisted that title, even though I know I have the sun-kissed wrinkles and silver hair to earn it. So your words helped me to think about that role with the veneration it deserves, primarily as the holder of history, which is often fleeting at a college where most of the community members leave after a few years (we encourage that in fact!)
I also just wrote an essay that included info about Third Act, the group for over 60 that's challenging banks' investment in the fossil fuel industry. One of the local organizers in Asheville had asked me to speak at the event, and at first, I declined because I had to teach right after the protest. But the lead organizer kept asking, texting, and even arranged a ride for me, so I could not say no! I can't wait to tell my students about this persistence as I know they often feel like our older generation, writ large, has let them down. One person's persistence can make a difference, especially when it's connected to a larger movement. As we know, the story isn't over yet! Thanks for writing Janisse!! I wrote this response instead of reviewing the readings for today's class! Old folks winging it, together!
Love this Janisse. I am 42 years old and feel like life has gotten better since I turned 40. I think ageism is one of the last realms of accepted prejudice and it makes us all feel bad. That cake looks amazing, and I love the name. I also teach creative writing to adults in a more fun, fluid less structured way if you ever want to connect on that.
I loved this post so much, Janisse. So full of good, thoughtful information, and I love hearing / seeing a bit about what's up at the farm. And CAKE!!!
Thinking about cross-posting it, in fact, but I've never done one of those and am nervous about doing it for some reason...
I'm 74. My dear friend who is 84 and an activist and professional storyteller has decided the term "vintage" best describes our age group!
Thank you for alerting me to the option of plastic-less deodorant. Just finished ordering from a seller on Etsy. I have been trying to eliminate, or reduce, my purchase of items sold in plastic. It isn't always easy.
And as for ageism, ugh, it exists. Never realized how much, until I became a "senior". Needless to say, I have started to become aware of, while watching a movie or TV show, how the male lead is usually several years older than the female lead. I think the stereotype of older woman is subjected to a harsher judgement than their male counterpart.
Excellent essay! I’m 68 years old, born August 6, 1954. I really discovered ageism when I started looking for a new academic position. Unless you omit a large chunk of your life and experience it’s obvious from my CV that I’m not 30. Positions I was well qualified for didn’t even offer an interview. It was discouraging but I decided to embrace and enjoy retirement.
I’m 42, will be 43 in July. I find every year for the last decade I tend to not realize what age I am and have to think for a second before saying it. My body knows it isn’t 30 but my mind doesn’t. One of my first friends I made out of college was a coworker who was about 20 years older than me, my mom’s age--and around your age--but she got me into thinking about taking writing seriously because she dabbled in poetry. I’ve since lost touch with her but I realized then that friendships have no age barrier. I think what sometimes stops me cold is realizing what time I have left, could be tomorrow could be another 50 years, and trying to make the most of it. I am at the point I want my body to be moving for longevity and not for thinness and mobility is of utmost importance. Do it now so that in a few decades I can still hike, get off the floor easily, and not worry about falling. I really appreciated this essay.
Thank you so much for this particular letter. In May, I will turn 70. For a couple of years, I've taken online sean nos step dancing lessons from a fantastic dancer located in County Leitrim, Ireland. During the last class, someone mentioned that she was 69 and I told her my age. Then a woman from Australia chimed in that she was 72. We agreed that even though our bodies were not as limber as they once were, we would never stop dancing.Thank you again and the cake looks marveous.
You know, I didn’t know a thing about ageism until Instagram. Many of my friends on there post about it. Im 47 and a lot of my content is for the midlife woman, but I don’t make it “old.” I don’t think about “old.” And, I don’t feel old; I’m simply aging and that’s alright with me. I know my attitude about aging comes from my mama because she didn’t talk down on herself about aging. She wasn’t too happy about her wrinkles but that didn’t keep her down. Shoot, I’ve got a lot of life to live, God willing, and I’m gonna keep doing my thing as long as I’m here breathing. 👌🏽 I loved your post Janisse AND that cake recipe.
I loved turning 50 and have never been vain about aging. I turn 70 this year and feel good about my health and appearance. I am the first woman in my group of first cousins who let my hair go grey(most of them still dye their hair in an attempt to look younger and it's not working!), and I don't obsess about my weight or wardrobe. I tell anyone who's interested my age. My physician can't believe I take only one medication and I am still pretty strong. I joke about being an "old woman" but it is a joke. I don't mine calling myself old because I'm proud of it. While so many other women fear aging I am embracing it. I do have issues with how people treat me now, as if I am 'lesser than' because I am no longer viewed as being a productive citizen. I have a big issue with the way seniors are not respected in our country.
Once upon a time at a haircut appointment the hairstylist pulled out the couple of grey hairs she found on my head. Without asking me. I returned the favor by giving her a lecture on ageism. It’s everywhere.
As you know, I was eagerly anticipating this post, Janisse -- and you did not disappoint. So much food for thought, and good solid action items. Thank you! I think that ageism affects women disproportionately, at least in our Western culture. As you pointed out, that's not the case in some other cultures, particularly some Eastern and indigenous ones. Anyway, thanks much for taking up this banner, and doing it in such a clear and compelling way.
Thanks for your thoughts and reflections, Janisse.
It's easy to check online for writers who were first published when they were older. I love how they consider 40 to be "old" for having a first novel published! But there have been some huge successes for older authors. I really like the feature that Poets & Writers does in their Nov/Dec issue every year: 5over50. This past year (2022) one of the authors was Jane Campbell who published her first collection of short fiction at 80! It's called Cat Brushing. Haven't read it, yet, but it's on the list. We really do need to not look outward to the opinions of others as far as writing and publishing are concerned. If it's something we feel called to do, we should listen. One way or the other, there will be a way . . .
I think you'd enjoy my old-positive illustrated essay: https://elizabethmccullochauthor.com/old-woman
I’m 37 years old, born October 31, 1985. I am guilty of agism and was really oblivious about it. Thanks for writing this. I needed to hear it and I’m ready to do better. Love you!
Well, you know I love this post and topic. I keep reminding myself, "you are not a commodity. You are a masterpiece. Live it."
I'm reading your newsletter about breaking age barriers in between advising with a college student and heading into class and preparing for my 17-year old to return from an overnight school conference. After 23 years at Warren Wilson College, I find myself in the category of campus elder at 57, mostly because I've been here for more than two decades. I've somewhat resisted that title, even though I know I have the sun-kissed wrinkles and silver hair to earn it. So your words helped me to think about that role with the veneration it deserves, primarily as the holder of history, which is often fleeting at a college where most of the community members leave after a few years (we encourage that in fact!)
I also just wrote an essay that included info about Third Act, the group for over 60 that's challenging banks' investment in the fossil fuel industry. One of the local organizers in Asheville had asked me to speak at the event, and at first, I declined because I had to teach right after the protest. But the lead organizer kept asking, texting, and even arranged a ride for me, so I could not say no! I can't wait to tell my students about this persistence as I know they often feel like our older generation, writ large, has let them down. One person's persistence can make a difference, especially when it's connected to a larger movement. As we know, the story isn't over yet! Thanks for writing Janisse!! I wrote this response instead of reviewing the readings for today's class! Old folks winging it, together!
Love this Janisse. I am 42 years old and feel like life has gotten better since I turned 40. I think ageism is one of the last realms of accepted prejudice and it makes us all feel bad. That cake looks amazing, and I love the name. I also teach creative writing to adults in a more fun, fluid less structured way if you ever want to connect on that.
I loved this post so much, Janisse. So full of good, thoughtful information, and I love hearing / seeing a bit about what's up at the farm. And CAKE!!!
Thinking about cross-posting it, in fact, but I've never done one of those and am nervous about doing it for some reason...