Written By Alan Good

I was solving a crossword when I came across this car ad, entitled, “Why the … Is a Top Choice for Senior Drivers in 2025”. The advertisement goes on to say, “Seniors can enjoy a driving experience that prioritizes convenience and peace of mind”. Comfortable ride, safety, and “user-friendly features” are some of the reasons this vehicle would be ideal for seniors.
Does this ad infer I, a 71-year-old, need extra safety features, extra comfort? More, say, then a 40-year-old? Am I now a danger on the road, a menace to others behind the wheel, because I am a senior? Do I require features that are “user friendly”, or that help me operate this machine as my mind has become a lump of mush?
In the last issue the word ageism was briefly discussed. Fortunately, I haven’t experienced this very often apart from the occasional “dear”, or worse, “sir”, when addressed by a younger store clerk. In context they were spoken by people who meant well but changed their tone and manner while addressing myself.
An earlier example used was when one of my sons rushed to help me a few times as I carried heavy items across the yard. He meant well, but I know he saw me as “needy” due to my age. And I’m grateful.
My point is, if a twenty-something came into the shop would they have received the same “service”. As well, when I was a younger dad, there were few—if any—rushes to carry things for me.
Ageism seems to sit on the peripheral, and few see it. We notice racism and other isms, but as the older set grow in numbers, shouldn’t we address ageism. Negative age stereotypes colour actions and judgments toward other people and can influence how we—seniors—think about ourselves and impact how we feel and act.
Take thoughts from people on mental agility in a senior. Studies demonstrate that this all too commonly accepted stereotype of the brain inevitably deteriorating as we get older, is false.
On the other hand, studies—and people—have demonstrated we can age with all our faculties and indeed be even better than in our younger days. This is not saying we can run the mile in five minutes (especially if you’ve never run). But we can still improve our bodies and minds even now.
Penelope Lively, the British, Booker Prize–winning author, writes at age eighty-seven, “I am as alive to the world as I have ever been—alive to everything I see and hear and feel. . . Spring was never so vibrant; autumn never so richly gold.”
It is never too late to start exercising, learning. The aging body responds extraordinarily well to exercise and positive age beliefs have numerous trickle-down effects, including better functional health. Whether you decide to start going for runs at sixty, hop in the pool for the first time at seventy, or go on walks at any age, it matters less when and what you do than that you build up positive age beliefs and trust that your body will respond in kind.
By the way, crosswords are an excellent activity to bolster your mind. So, get started today. Move, read, think. Believe you can and don’t listen to ageistic messages.