This is 60? NOPE. This is AGEISM.

I was reading the June/July issue of "AARP The Magazine" when I landed on Page 32, the first page of their “This is 60” section. At the center of the page was a year-by-year account of “What to Expect in Your 60’s,” written by John Ficarra, former editor-in-chief of MAD Magazine. Given his professional background, I suspect Mr. Ficarra was attempting to offer a satirical take on life in one’s 60’s. In his attempt to be funny, however, he instead ended up perpetuating negative, ageist stereotypes—printed in the pages of "AARP The Magazine," no less.

It's not that those of us in our 60’s have suddenly become a bunch of curmudgeons—or that we’re unable to find the humor in the changes we’re experiencing as we (thankfully) continue to age. We can—and do—laugh at ourselves (both early and often, as a matter of fact). It’s that, rather than highlighting the positives that come with life in one’s 60’s, this article chose to focus on the opposite.

Research shows that people in their 60’s are happier than adults who have not yet celebrated that milestone birthday—and that they feel even happier as they age into their 70’s and 80’s. But the article fails to touch on that. And just below the article (in the print edition, anyway), is a factoid stating that American’s 60+ will comprise 37% of all the travelers this year; yet, the article fails to mention our penchant for travel—or the significant economic impact of that travel—either.

A study conducted by Dr. Becca Levy of Yale University found that people who feel better about aging age better AND live longer—about seven-and-a-half-years longer, to boot. So perhaps it’s time to kick the negative stereotypes associated with growing older to the curb, even if they’re (supposedly) said in jest—and begin to collectively embrace the promise and the opportunities life in our 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond has to offer. There IS an upside to aging—and each of us needs to celebrate it. Including the folks at AARP.