Public health organizations, ranging from the American Psychological Association to the World Health Organization, have issued warnings about ageism, identifying it as one of the lingering societal prejudices that demand immediate awareness and action. According to a University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, ageism is so prevalent that 82 percent of adults over 50 have reported regularly experiencing a form of “everyday ageism.”
The toxic combination of ageism and sexism has a particularly negative effect on women, who face higher rates of discrimination and biases as they get older. Notably, the media and the beauty industry play significant roles in perpetuating these issues, often prioritizing youth while marginalizing older women.
The anti-aging bent of both industries has a measurable effect on women’s health and well-being. The pressure to remain youthful contributes to mental health issues such as eating disorders and poor self-image.
Despite these issues, the aging process itself is a blessing that many people do not get to experience. For this reason, people across all generations are advocating for greater diversity in depictions of women and a revised perspective on the aging process.
As the media and beauty industries slowly adapt to reflect a wider range of ages and experiences, there are things women can do today to feel empowered and appreciative of their age. Here are five specific actions middle-aged women can take.
1. Embrace Self-Acceptance and Confidence
While anti-aging culture is pervasive, it is not the only perspective of aging. In Eastern and Indigenous cultures, aging is associated with positive qualities, such as wisdom, achievement, and experience.
Women living in Western cultures that tend to overvalue youth can adopt mind frames from Eastern societies to celebrate the aging process. One exercise that can help is reflecting on the situations that have improved with time.
For example, middle-aged women tend to have higher levels of emotional wellness and life stability than younger women. For many, middle age is also a time of renewed independence.
In middle age, many women reach the peak of their earning power while reducing their caregiving responsibilities. This can make middle and later age some of the most satisfying periods of life, as women take advantage of their position to travel and invest in themselves.
2. Cultivate Positive Body Image and Self-Care Habits
As mentioned, the strong anti-aging messages put forward by the media and beauty industries can contribute to lower self-esteem. Middle-aged women can counter these negative messages by rejecting youth-oriented beauty expectations and radically accepting themselves.
The concept of radical acceptance means accepting things as they are, not what one wishes them to be. Women who embrace this approach focus on keeping their bodies healthy for their own sake, rather than trying to achieve a specific look.
Instead of trying to look younger, setting fitness goals that build strength and prevent muscle and bone degeneration can help women set physical standards that center on health rather than youth.
3. Pursue Personal Growth and Learning
Sociologists have noted that one of the effects of a youth-focused culture is that older people, especially women, become “invisible” in society. This can lead to serious problems such as job discrimination. However, being invisible can also reduce society’s attention, and for some, this can produce a newfound sense of freedom.
After years of trying to live up to societal expectations, middle-aged women can take advantage of their “invisibility” by focusing on their personal interests.
Many women use this time to immerse themselves in a new skill or hobby, whether that’s learning a new language, launching a nonprofit, or learning to code. No matter what women choose to pursue, it is important to set tangible, challenging goals that serve to remind them that growth is possible at any age.
4. Foster Supportive Relationships and Community
Isolation is a growing problem among all demographics. However, middle-aged women are often more vulnerable due to ageism. Research has found that people who internalize negative stereotypes about aging are more likely to withdraw and isolate themselves as they get older.
Women can combat this by actively building cross-generational relationships. Joining a community, whether a religious organization or an activity group, can prevent loneliness and give older women the opportunity to forge strong social connections.
Healthy relationships are associated with higher rates of life satisfaction and a longer life span.
5. Seek Mentors and Role Models
One of the best ways to eliminate fears surrounding aging is to interact with older women who have thrived. The effect is so powerful that just seeing images of older women engaging in activities typically associated with younger people can challenge aging stereotypes.
Women should find role models within their industry or hobbies. Alternatively, joining age-restricted groups can help women middle-aged and older find and connect. Finally, following older influencers on social media can also counter the lack of realistic representation in traditional media.