Do you feel like you have to hide your age? Here are some tips and advice on how to have “don’t ask, don’t tell” conversations about aging in the workplace and beyond.

Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone. As we age, our bodies change, and we experience different milestones. Society tells us that we should be ashamed of aging and that it’s something to keep hidden. This is why the “don’t ask, don’t tell” conversations about aging are so harmful, especially in the workplace.

Aging is a personal experience, and you should never feel obligated to disclose your age to someone else. People think they have the right to ask others about their age and judge them based on their answers. In this blog post, we will discuss the hypocrisy of aging and why women get shamed for getting older.

They say – You get better with time.

But-

If women got better with time, why are other people asking why they work after a particular age group? Did they think they may want to stay active and keep their minds busy? They want to socialize with people and not sit at home watching tv. There are many reasons why someone after a certain age still feels good enough to work physical jobs, and they should be seen as an inspiration and not your prisoner to interrogate their wants and capabilities.

They say – You are so strong.

But-

If a woman is strong, her talent is put on blast as if she is an animal in the zoo. And critics always feel comfortable making insensitive comments. Unbeknownst to them, some women might be offended that you are picking them out for something they don’t think is a big deal. You might see their age first, but they see themselves as more than capable Remember, they have lived and have been through many experiences.

They say – You lost so much weight.

But-

As people increasingly age, it’s not easy to keep on the weight, and they lose a few inches in height. They can see they are smaller than before and don’t need someone to point out what they already know. Not everyone is as embracing their new chapter, and it could make them feel bad or fearful when they think about it. It’s best to be on the side of consideration.

They say – Wow, you are dating or still active?

But-

You are a cougar! No one stops wanting comfort because of their age. Women tend to be more mature than men, and it’s no wonder younger men find an older woman very attractive. She has substance and experience under her belt and probably a bag of sexy tricks! And if two people want to connect and are grown adults with different digits means, they have more in common in other ways. If they have a partner, they are doing the same things as you too!

They say – You offer help with their bags or make special accommodations

But –

No one asked you to do so. While some don’t mind, I know several strong-minded women that would look at you like you are crazy and think you are calling them old. They know their age chronologically but feel different in their minds and live accordingly. If you insist, add an excellent complement, which should go over smoother.

They say – Wow, you are so hip!

But –

Did you expect them to be something different? Some people are forever young, and that is who they are. It doesn’t matter if they are 22 or 72. If they use everyday slang or dress a certain way, they should be embraced, not made fun of instead. They might not admit it, but you could have hurt their feelings. The goal is to celebrate, not lead with self-hate for aging.

I can go on and on with examples, but it should be a clear picture by now that women, in particular, do not want to be called out or left to feel rejected because they are blessed to age. It is a wonderful experience and does not determine someone’s intelligence or capabilities. It might take more time sometimes, but it doesn’t mean tasks won’t get done right.

Those before us are here to teach; we ought to listen and learn. So the next time, try to see the person and not estimate who you think they are because you see signs of aging. You have no idea what they do to keep themselves feeling and looking good.

The best gifts they can offer you are excellent advice, lots of love, and a look into your future of what you have to look forward to – if you too are willing to embrace it.

I love what I do because it is helping to change lives and enjoy sharing my work. Check out my latest Sparkle at Every Step: Thirty-One Insightful Quotes that Help You Heal and Add More Sparkle to Your Life. (#ad) Thanks for your support.

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