My first book, Refusing to Be Invisible: Life Planning Empowerment Strategies for Women 50+ is now available on Amazon. I spent a few years researching ageism – something the World Health Organization has suggested is still one of the most accepted forms of discrimination today. As I was doing my research and talking to other women, I began to realize that ageism can affect women in even more profound ways than it typically does men. I talked to several women, did more research ( a lot of reading), and then wrote a book that addresses the seriousness of gendered ageism and what we can do to reclaim our power.
The root of the Problem
Before any of us can solve a problem, we need to understand it. Initially, my book looks at the cultural and economic structures that reinforce the idea that a woman’s worth is primarily based on appearance. Advertisers and the cosmetics industry use our fear of aging to sell products and services that we believe will somehow magically restore our youth (or youthful appearance.)
If we allow ourselves to believe that our worth is primarily based on our appearance, then we are not only going to feel invisible, we are more likely to feel powerless as we face the coming decades. Further, research suggests that internalizing negative views about aging can affect our health and well-being as well as our longevity.
Gendered ageism can affect every area of our lives – our self-esteem, relationships, experiences shopping, workplace opportunities (or lack of opportunities), healthcare, financial planning, retirement planning, and how we choose to live our remaining decades.
Empowerment Strategies
The proven strategies I offer are evidence-based. Some are drawn from the communication field, while other strategies come from the life planning field. I also drew from my own background as a retired associate professor of communication and a certified professional retirement coach to offer practical suggestions.
Readers are offered solid examples of how reframing the way others see us through storytelling can be empowering. Older women as role models is another empowerment strategy we discuss. Several specific communication strategies are also presented including ones that can be used in the workplace and healthcare settings.
Women can also feel more empowered as they discover how to realistically plan for their post-career lives (both the financial and non-financial aspects). Identifying a life purpose is also part of the empowerment process- something we discuss in the final chapter of my book, which is full of examples and practical ways to identify your own purpose.
Because I became a widow as I was writing my book, I also included a chapter on widowhood and empowerment. While widowhood can be very challenging, it is also an opportunity for growth, and yes, empowerment.
A Favor to Ask
If you choose to read my book and like it, please share a positive review on Amazon. Also, please consider sharing the book with other women you know. Let’s be part of a positive movement, advocating for empowered aging as women.