The suffix “ism” has been on my mind lately.   Adding “ism” to the end of a verb transforms it into a noun.  As nouns, words ending in “ism” describe systems of thinking.  “Ism” comes from the Greek word ismus meaning a belief, a way of thinking about things. “Isms” can be positive like optimism, altruism, pacifism or negative like racism, sexism, and terrorism.

Which leads me to today’s subject:  ageism. Ageism is prejudice based on a person’s age.  And as the number of older people around the world grows dramatically, it’s important to set the record straight and work toward ending ageism.

What stands in the way?  Well, we do.  We buy into the stereotype of “old folks” sitting in their rocking chairs like our own grandparents may have.  We locate ourselves (in many cases) in older people dwellings like retirement communities or continuing care facilities.  We buy (and buy is the right word) into what the cosmetic or drug manufacturers and (some) physicians say are products and processes to keep us looking younger.  It is in our hands to change this.

In her compelling 2022 book, Breaking the Age Code, Professor Becca Levy, an expert in the field of aging, demonstrates how a positive attitude toward aging can add years to our lives.

Read it.