People are living longer and creating ‘The Next Act’ for their lives, including their work and the dreams and plans they still have, living their best lives and being who they truly are.

As women and men mature, society and the status quo still question their value unkindly, reducing the privilege of aging.

Ageism exists – “Prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age.”

Sageism exists – “Discrimination based on a person’s gender and age, particularly discrimination against older women.”

I’m not making less of these unjust descriptions and facts, but why shouldn’t we add to these definitions, create positive change, and alter mindsets?

What if Sageism could be the flip side of ageism, redefining it by accurately honoring a sage—”a person famed for wisdom; someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and experience. “, in a healthy, inspiring, non-discriminating way?

Sageism would become a tribute to a maturing human being rather than a lessening or dismissal of who they truly are by recognizing their extreme value, ableness, extensive knowledge, life experience, skills, contributions, gifts, talents, achievements, credentials, and expertise.

Let’s shift ‘too old’ into ‘highly respected, useful, needed, and valuable.’

Value = Val-You

Valuable = Val-You-Able

It’s serious wordplay but I’m hoping to create a change in how some people see the aging process in a harmful, derogatory way. Many cultures see the worth of their elders and care for them in the most profound and dignified way. Each seen as a sager or sagest.

An actor may seem too mature to play Tony or Maria in West Side Story. Why not remove typecasting and stereotyping and be wild and realistically creative? There could be a mature version of the West Side Story. It’s possible. It’s an opportunity that could be created.

There could be a sage version of Swan Lake. (There was a highly successful male version of Swan Lake.) Why not try?

Many elders’ fires and lights still burn hot and can be brilliant and blinding in the most powerful and moving ways.

Sageism… a new way to live in maturity… live with pride… live out loud with dignity and full worth.

Should we not admire the Grand Canyon because of its beauty and legacy or see it as a vast, craggy, uneven pit to be filled in for desert condos?

What about ignoring Art Deco and Art Nouveau furniture, Tiffany lamps, and jewelry because they’re from the past, reducing them to wood, glass, metal, and stones?

Why do antiques have high value?

Antiquity is meaningful.

A well-cared-for vintage car creates spontaneous awe and admiration. Should we react similarly with profound wonder and respect when we connect with a vintage, well-cared-for human being?

Should we not listen to Verdi or Mick Jagger because they are pretty old, and how does that reduce their historical genius and present worth?

What is the value of a fine maturing wine, a classic book, a black vinyl jazz record, Winged Victory (even without the head), playing on a Stradivarius violin?

See what I’m saying about changing definitions and shifting mindsets about the value and worth of seniors, aging, maturity, elderhood, and sageism?

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are, and that privilege doesn’t expire with age.” – Carl Jung

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

Please share my Daily with others.
This is vital too – Improving with Age.

#1897

(Google photo – Concert Pianist Martha Argerich – 83 years old with indomitable wisdom and skills – a sager – a sagest)