Why society’s obsession with aging is harmful for everyone, from Taylor Lautner to the rest of us

Why Society‘s Negative Views on Aging is Harmful

The Stigma of Aging

As a society, we have developed negative views towards aging, and the individuals who are seen to represent it. We anoint people such as Taylor Lautner as “aging” at the ripe age of 29, and frail skin, gray hair, and wrinkles as things to be avoided, rather than celebrated as symbols of experience and earned wisdom. While we are fortunate to be living in a time where we have increased our lifespan, we do so as if growing old is something to be ashamed of. Why is this the case?

The Beauty Industry’s Role

Without a doubt, the beauty industry fuels the anti-aging rhetoric. Products that promise to erase wrinkles, reduce age spots, and make skin look “ten years younger” are advertised as necessities. The idea of aging is seen as unattractive and unwanted by the beauty industry, and the answer is to buy their products.

The Role of Media

While the beauty industry is culpable, they aren’t alone. The media reinforces these views by glorifying youth and often excluding older people from their depictions of beauty and sex appeal. When elderly individuals are depicted in media, they are often portrayed as forgetful, unable to take care of themselves or a burden on their caregivers.

The Harmful Effects of Ageism

Ageism, the discrimination of individuals based on their age, is harmful and reinforces the notion that growing old is a curse. Creating a discriminatory environment for older people perpetuates a system of treating older people as less than, and less capable.

Older people often face discrimination in the workforce, as well as in the healthcare industry. Older individuals often seen as less valuable, and decisions are made for them without their input. In the workforce, older individuals face less hiring opportunities, and stereotypes about their abilities or willingness to work.

Conclusion

As a society, we must change our views toward aging. Rather than seeing it as a curse, we should embrace the natural aging process and celebrate the earned wisdom that comes with experience. We should focus on providing age-friendly work environments and creating policies that protect the older population from discrimination. In changing our views towards aging, we can create a more inclusive and forward-looking society.