Women and Ageism
By: Eva Schmidt, PCC, CEC, NBC-HWC, FNP-BC
Having decided I’d had enough of the incessant political rhetoric, I was flipping through the channels for other options and stumbled upon Bonnie Raitt performing at a jazz festival in the Netherlands. After watching for a few minutes, I thought, “man, she still sounds so good for her age!”
It struck me that as someone who has spent a lot of time researching women and ageism, I had to stop and check my own bias in that moment!
Maddy Dychtwald, author and co-founder of Age Wave – a global leader in addressing the far-reaching impacts of longevity and our aging population – says that ageism is hiding in plain sight. Most of us have subconsciously internalized stereotypes about what it means to be “old.” And women tend to be viewed as “old” at a much younger age than men.
In today’s society, ageism—prejudice or discrimination based on age— is a pervasive issue, disproportionately affecting women. Because, while both genders experience ageism, women often face unique challenges due to the additional burden of sexism.
Ageism against women is often compounded by unrealistic societal expectations and gender norms. From a young age, women learn that their value, in part, lies in their physical appearance, which perpetuates an undue and unfair emphasis on youth and beauty. As a result, as women age, they often face diminishing social value, with their worth being questioned both in their professional and personal lives.
In the workplace, ageism manifests in various ways, from hiring biases to limited career advancement opportunities. Older women may encounter assumptions that they are less adaptable to new technologies or resistant to change. This bias can lead to fewer job offers, forced early retirement, or even marginalization within their existing roles.
The combination of age and gender bias can result in older women being overlooked for promotions or high-profile projects. Research indicates that women over the age of 50 face higher unemployment rates and longer periods of joblessness compared to their male counterparts. This economic disadvantage underscores the need for systemic changes in workplace policies and practices.
The personal and social implications of ageism are profound. Older women often experience a sense of invisibility, where their opinions and contributions are undervalued. Which can lead to decreased self-esteem and social isolation.
Ageism also has significant implications for women’s health. Older women often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to stereotypes that dismiss their health concerns as simply “normal” aging, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of serious conditions. For example, heart disease symptoms in older women are often overlooked or misattributed to aging rather than being recognized and treated promptly.
The stress and anxiety resulting from feeling undervalued or invisible can contribute to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Add to that the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance and you have the perfect set up for body image issues and unhealthy practices, further impacting mental and physical health.
Addressing ageism requires a multifaceted approach that includes changing societal attitudes, implementing supportive policies, and fostering inclusive environments. This requires increased visibility of older women in media, politics, and leadership positions to challenge stereotypes and showcase the diverse contributions women make to society. Celebrating role models who defy ageist expectations can inspire younger generations to view aging positively.
In the workplace, employers should adopt age-inclusive policies that value experience and wisdom. This can include offering flexible work arrangements, providing opportunities for continuous learning, and ensuring fair hiring practices that do not discriminate based on age.
Women need more platforms to share their stories and experiences. This takes the courage to step up rather than always stepping aside. Women can take proactive steps to empower themselves by staying informed, pursuing personal interests, and cultivating a positive self-image. Embracing aging as a natural and enriching part of life can shift the focus from external validation to internal fulfillment.
Ageism against women is a complex issue that intersects with broader societal dynamics. By challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity, we can create a culture that values and respects women at every stage of life. Embracing the wisdom, experience, and unique perspectives of older women enriches our communities and ensures that age is seen as an asset rather than a liability.
The population is aging. Women over the age of 50 account for 55% of the American population. Globally, that number is expected to reach closer to 60% by 2050In a perfect world every woman, regardless of age, would be celebrated for her contributions and cherished for her inherent worth. But we still have some work to do to get there. The reality is that older women can and should continue to lead vibrant, impactful lives. So it’s important to challenge the stereotypes and to embrace the wisdom and experience that come with age.
Bonnie Raitt will turn 75 this year. She has recently been named a 2024 recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement. Her opinion is that age is a non-issue. In regard to other “aging artists” she says, “Nobody went out to pasture, and a lot of people are doing their best work…we have to figure out how to break out of this age ghetto.”
I couldn’t agree more because as she also reminds us, “life gets mighty precious when there’s less of it to waste.”
Eva Schmidt is the Founder and CEO of 3 Springs Coaching, LLC. She is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), a teacher and a mentor.
She is the creator of Badass Up, which focuses on helping people thrive in their lives with an emphasis on empowering women to speak up, step up, and live authentically. Let her help you leverage your hard earned wisdom and support you as you badass up into your next chapter.