Why Language Matters
Ageing and language: why it matters.
On a recent popular segment on radio – the hosts asked people to send in their best ‘anti-ageing’ tips. While the response had all sensible and doable information from the public, I was concerned to hear such a popular show still using a term such as ‘anti-ageing’.
There has been a lot of research and recommendations about ageist language and how it affects attitudes both on a personal level and contributing to social ageism.
Anyone in their mid-70’s, as I am, will have experienced ageism in blatant or subtle ways. From being turned down for a job, despite having all the qualifications, and then some, and being told ‘it’s to allow someone to gain the experience’ or just being ignored in shops. I was (trying) to buy a birthday present for my granddaughter in a trendy surf shop, and was walked past several times and other customers (young) served, despite me asking for help. I bought the item on line.
Language and social media especially advertisement and jokes, reinforce the sterotypes of all older people as being forgetful, frail and not up to date. The age of an older person who has achieved a skill or qualification, is always given in terms of amazement. Why?
The WHO (World Health Organization) has a guide – Quick Guide to Avoid Ageism in Communication. It’s a pity this guide is not more widely used.
How we personally feel about ageing greatly impacts our ageing journey. Personal attitudes towards old age effects your health. Do you accept all ill health as ‘just getting older’? Do you believe that your lifestyle can influence how you age? Do you do any positive actions to keep yourself as healthy as possible, for as long as possible?
Social media is full of special exercises; supplements or specific cognitive skills, that will be ‘anti-ageing’ or even ‘turn back time’ or the ones I really like are the promises to ‘stop’ ageing. Good luck with that. But in some USA clinics, you can be transfused with the blood of healthy younger people, and the claims on reducing ageing, are excessive and not based on any research.
Getting older is a chronic process. If we live long enough, we will all age. There are many factors that affect how you age. As we get older, genetics is less of an influence and lifestyle, especially lifestyle in our middle years, has a greater effect. The older population has a very wide variety of abilities and must be treated as individuals, not as just group of ‘selfish’ boomers. (I have been accused of that). But there are many daily, doable activities that we can do to keep us as healthy and independent as possible.
The media often claims that talking about death is stressful &/or morbid and will upset people. But preparing for your death is necessary. Please do not leave a mess to you dependents to sort out. When I was nursing in the acute aged care ward, I witnessed to many family feuds about what mum or dad wanted as their last wishes &/or trying to get answers from a dying person about what they wanted to happen to their estate. Take the time to sort all this out while you still can and clearly inform family.
Yes - YOGA is an excellent intervention. This practice is done within each person’s ability, can be done daily and the practices cover all parts of the body and mind.
I have a full program on the Yoga Therapy Institute site covering the ageing changes and the yoga interventions.
Please contact me via email for a personal Yoga Therapy program.
positiveageingyoga@gmail.com
