At what age do we have to worry about ageism?
'Cause like, I'm panicking!
Ageism seems to still be a very accepted ‘ism’. With racism or sexism, we see it or feel it and they are very worthy causes we can all get behind. But when it comes to ageism, it seems to be ingrained in the collective psyche that we should just be put out to pasture when we’re old, that we lose value as we age, and no one seems to actually care to fight it.
In the run up to that most recent US election, I would debate with friends and relatives that I just don’t think anyone over 65 should be able to run for the highest office in the land, and I’m still not sure if I’m an asshole for having that stance.
As women especially, once we’re past our child bearing years, it seems society has agreed to just not pay us any mind at this point. We’re useless, apparently.
So now I find myself, at 43, genuinely worried about how ageism will affect me from here on out.
See, I work in fitness, a notoriously young industry. I’m moving to Toronto next year, starting over in a new place, re-establishing myself (yet again!) and having to prove my worth. It has occurred to me that as I tout myself around various spin studios, trying to get work, letting them know how badass I am up on that bike, likely the first thing they’re going to notice is….my age.
And I may well be wrong, but I imagine, I will be written off by many for that very thing. It doesn’t matter that I regularly run rings around people half my age, that I have people from 20 - 60 years old in my classes and all will testify to what a great workout it is. It saddens me to think that some will just consider a 40-something up on the bike to be bad optics for the studio. There’s certain aesthetics they have to maintain, you see.
I can preach all day about how it’s not like people stop working out past 35, how actually, the 40+ market is one you should really be catering to because hello! Money! I can wax lyrical about how movement should be inclusive and focused on simply being able to stay fit, active and healthy long into old age. Sometimes it’s exhausting banging this drum when many traditional fitness institutions will only ever champion the young and ripped.
I’ve spent over a decade establishing myself in this field and I feel I’m exceptionally good at what I do. But I’ll be 44 when I’m looking for jobs in Toronto. While I know 44 is far from old, it sadly is considered old in my industry. So, am I staring down the barrel of having to seriously consider a career change? I am so determined to be the change I want to see, to be the one flying the flag for representation within the fitness industry, to keep insisting how important it is that women over 40 see themselves reflected in these spaces and how essential that is for our health and wellbeing. But unless there are people higher up in these institutions who understand that vision and are willing to champion you along the way, it is such an uphill battle.
I have no intention of giving up. I will muscle my way in somewhere, somehow and continue to create change, but I can’t say I’m not worried that it will be a struggle and will only continue to be with each passing year.
Are any of you feeling this in your respective careers? Have you butted up against any form of ageism so far, or noticed it with colleagues? How do we collectively create change and prove our worth in these spaces?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Don’t forget!
If you’re looking to get 2025 off to an amazing start, my January coaching group is now open. Thirty days of support, encouragement, sisterhood and inspiration with a group of likeminded badasses who want to see you win.
We all know we start the year with the best of intentions, but oftentimes, by about March it’s all gone out the window and we’re just cruising with no game plan. My Kick Ass Accountability Coaching Group helps you get clear on what you want for the year and over 30 days, we practice a cool, calm, collected approach to goal setting, giving you an action plan and positive mindset to make 2025 a year you can be proud of.
It’s just $68 for 30 days.
Nab your spot. I can’t wait to welcome you into this community!