The idea that midlife is the start of decline isn’t just outdated—it’s actively harmful. It leads to self-directed ageism, where we shrink our ambitions, and stop learning new things.
I could have written this. I have shared these exact feelings with friends almost word for word.
My husband’s family handed him a script..it was almost like a family curse. Living along side this baked in belief system is difficult and constraining for me.
My proximity to the mindset slows me down. I wish I could read the book.
I’ve seen firsthand how internalized ageism can quietly shape decisions—shrinking not just what people do, but how they see themselves. The line about “self-directed ageism” was spot on. I’ve heard smart, vibrant people in their 50s and 60s say things like, “It’s too late for me to learn that,” or “That’s a young person’s game”—and you can almost hear the opportunity door creak shut in real time.
Personally, I’ve started reframing this next chapter as Act Two. Not a wind-down, but a reinvention. That shift alone changed my posture—literally. I’m standing taller, thinking bigger. You’re so right: longevity changes the whole blueprint.
Thank you for championing a new narrative around midlife and beyond. We need more voices like yours, especially when the old ones are still echoing so loudly.
I could have written this. I have shared these exact feelings with friends almost word for word.
My husband’s family handed him a script..it was almost like a family curse. Living along side this baked in belief system is difficult and constraining for me.
My proximity to the mindset slows me down. I wish I could read the book.
This post struck a deep chord.
I’ve seen firsthand how internalized ageism can quietly shape decisions—shrinking not just what people do, but how they see themselves. The line about “self-directed ageism” was spot on. I’ve heard smart, vibrant people in their 50s and 60s say things like, “It’s too late for me to learn that,” or “That’s a young person’s game”—and you can almost hear the opportunity door creak shut in real time.
Personally, I’ve started reframing this next chapter as Act Two. Not a wind-down, but a reinvention. That shift alone changed my posture—literally. I’m standing taller, thinking bigger. You’re so right: longevity changes the whole blueprint.
Thank you for championing a new narrative around midlife and beyond. We need more voices like yours, especially when the old ones are still echoing so loudly.