Why are we so afraid of growing old? Because ageism—internalized and in the culture at large—obscures all but the most negative messages about life after 65 (or 50, or just aging past youth), with disastrous personal and political implications. In the 20th century, the civil rights and women’s movements raised our awareness of racism and sexism. It’s high time to do so around discrimination and stereotyping on the basis of age. Whether you’re older or hoping to get there, this talk will shake you by the shoulders, and change the way you see the rest of your life.
