Hi Readers,
Ageism, though seldom discussed, is not only a social issue but a political issue too. To put the point more strongly, it is a Civil Rights issue. Ageism is just as toxic as racism! I equate the (O) word in the same hurtful, derogatory, and ignorant pile of words as the (N) word! In fact, I cremated the word (Old) when used in reference to human beings in my blog, The Non-Trad Manifesto(the link: http://www.blondmama.blogspot.com). I have made a more linear and inclusive word, Mature or Maturing to describe human beings. This Diary is a companion piece to the blog I wrote Tuesday which is titled, "You Don't Need to Die!" I will be covering three areas where ageism is the most detrimental for mature people to live a healthy and progressive life.
THE ECONOMIC WORLD:
Mandatory retirement is the most discriminatory idea imaginable! It forces a person to lose his/her paying job just because they are 65. Never-mind the fact that that person has more experience thus they are probably the best person to do the job! They are also the best mentors to teach newcomers in the company. They are removed from the job even if they are healthy and alert! I realize that some people, who don't take care of themselves may have medical problems but all companies should promote a healthy workplace by providing medical care for all their employees and give bonuses to employees who don't drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, or use recreational drugs! Larger companies should have on sight gyms and a have a nutritionist who can guide employees to eat more nutrient dense food.
The media[ Television dramas and comedies, advertisers,and commentators] should not portray mature people in negative roles like the mother in the TV comedy "Mike and Molly"! Mature people are portrayed as crotchety, self centered, and unable to take care of themselves, which are all very negative stereotypes! They also are very seldom the romantic leads. This is an issue for actors and especially actresses, who are kicked into the grandma and sickly person acting ghetto sooner then actors. Male actors have a longer shelf life then actresses because they are allowed to romance younger actresses on screen. There must rise a new Super Cougar Movement on screen open to all mature actresses! Even 65+, no discrimination!
IMAGE:
Who gets to wear all the fashionable sexy clothes in magazines and on TV shows? Females between the ages of 15 to 40 for the most part. Mature women in commercials( which are usually sickly subjects) are usually in drab and colorless out fits. They are not made up well and usually come out pale. Even in weight-loss commercials their after they are over dressed in boring clothing! Mature women should have just as fashionable and sexy clothes as the younger stars.
TO BE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FLIRTATION OBJECTS:
The trouble with ageism is that the media has made mature people look about as exciting as watching grass grow, may be the grass wins! We are shown to be sickly, unable to even get into get into a tub,and mostly stuck in boring activities! Mature women are being discarded by "successful" husbands in favor of teenie bopper squeezes! A few discerning younger men will date more mature women but they are few and far between. Most men buy into the notion that mature women can't cut it in the dating scene or in the bedroom. But let me affirm this idea. OH YES WE CAN!!
I will be 68 in June and I feel like 35! I don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or use recreational drugs. I work out at the YWCA and power walk every where I go. I work at staying young and looking young! My project tomorrow, buying tank tops at Old Navy, my usual summer attire is tank tops and short shorts. I will be going to The Mall of America and ride the rides at Nickelodeon Universe on my birthday next month!