Let’s pack away everything of the old year, especially the old ways we see ourselves. And let’s look forward to the New Year with new vision. The year is full of possibilities and potential. How about a new view of ourselves?
The way I see me is the way you see me. Self-perception is powerful. The way we perceive ourselves shapes how others perceive us, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. Our self-image influences our behaviour, body language, and what we say, which in turn influences what others think of us.
For example, if I believe I’m old, others will too, which reinforces my self-image of being old. Our society is celebrates youth and treats ageing like it’s something to hide or fear. From the media to workplaces, stereotypes about older people are everywhere. Social media, TV shows and films often portray older people negatively as invisible, frail and out of touch. And in the workplace older people are often passed over for promotions or at risk of being made redundant.
Ageism isn’t just annoying — it’s harmful. It can impact mental and physical health, and even shorten life expectancy. We can all be guilty of ageism. But on the flip side, if we all have a positive attitude to ageing it can lead to better health and a longer life. The world’s population is getting older, and if all generations celebrate the wisdom and experience of older people the benefits to society will be huge.
Ageing shouldn’t define us and shouldn’t be treated like a problem. We should do what we can to value older people for their experience, realise that life can get better even when the grey hairs and reading glasses appear and we should do what we can to remain healthy.
So, celebrate or dye grey hairs, wear those reading glasses confidently or rejuvenate your vision, with lens replacement or laser eye surgery. But whatever you do, believe in yourself, know you’re capable, competent and valuable. And if you believe it, others will, and you will, and others will …
So, let’s look forward to the New Year with new vision.
Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-elderly-woman-in-a-stylish-outfit-sitting-on-a-park-bench-8417327/
