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"Act your age." What does that mean?
Do You Want to Live to be 1,000?
Become an Old Person In Training.
Negative Stereotypes Kill.
What Is Ageism?
How Many Years of Life Experience Do You Have?
Get. Out. Of. Yourself.
Adults Age in Stages, Too.
A Telling Disconnect.
Are You a Denialist, a Realist, or an Enthusiast?
Am I Going to Get Wise?
How Old Would You Be if You Didn't Know How Old You Were?
Aging for Life: Talk to me

How Many Years of Life Experience Do You Have?

10/31/2018

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At the biennial conference of Sage-ing International this fall, I heard this life-changing question: How many years of life experience do you have?

Not, “How old are you?” Or (shudder), “How many years young are you?”

How many years of life experience do you have?

Just a few years ago, when a girlfriend (older than me) asked me my age, I said, “I’d rather tell you how much I weigh.” She still laughs about that, and often repeats it to friends.

I’m only a little embarrassed that I refused to tell my age. Such is the toll of epidemic ageism. In a culture that disparages the old, none of us wants to own our years.

The question, “How many years of life experience do you have?” turns this situation on its head—where it belongs. I’ve asked it of many people now, and always see a light go on.

I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I like to imagine saying to someone younger who’s patronizing me, “Excuse me, but how many years of life experience do you have?” When they tell me they’re in their 30s or 40s or 50s, I’ll say, “I see. Well, I have 65 years of life experience, so listen up!”
​
Never before have I hoped someone would condescend to me because of my wrinkles! But I find myself looking forward to using this new strategy in a teachable moment. I hope you’ll try it and let me know how it goes.
Aging for Life: Talk to me
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    Theresa Reid is the Executive Producer and host of "Aging for Life." 

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  • Home
  • Watch & Listen
    • Watch
    • Listen
  • Resources
    • Anti-ageism activism
    • Books
    • Ageing websites & organizations
    • Working & beyond
    • Living
    • Innovation engines
    • Death & dying
    • Videos
    • Articles
  • Activism
    • Child protection
    • Climate
    • Defense of democracy
    • Domestic violence
    • Feminism / Women's rights
    • Gun violence prevention
    • Immigration & refugee rights
    • Income inequality.
    • Mass incarceration
    • Racism
  • Talk to me
    • Blog
    • Other writing from me
    • Pitch in!
    • Hall of Shame
    • From You
  • Services
    • Conscious Aging
    • "Retirement" Planning
    • Consciousness Raising
  • DOWNLOAD "10 Rules"
  • Contact
  • Blog