Age Doesn’t Suck. Ageism Does.

The commercial started like this: "You know there's this thing called 'AGE,' and it SUCKS," which was followed by a howl of LAUGHTER.

The spokesperson was 64-year-old Marie Osmond. The product was Instaflex, a joint supplement.

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t name names. However, I honestly don't think I've ever seen a commercial with such an egregiously AGEIST message. EVER.

Furthermore, as is the case with all other forms of discrimination—racism, sexism, antisemitism, homophobia, etc.—AGEISM IS NOT A LAUGHING MATTER.

Messages like that are simply not okay. Not only are they not funny, but research shows they can actually shorten our lifespans.

The thing is “age” is not something that should be viewed as good or bad. It is simply the amount of time one has been on this earth. And different ages present a combination of both challenges and triumphs:

You think cutting your first tooth was easy? Or learning to walk? How about getting braces, acne, and entering puberty—all at once?

Then there’s falling in love for the first time—only to have your heart broken. Or finding out you’re pregnant—only to have a miscarriage.

And what about parenthood? Or home ownership? Or moving across country for your spouse’s job? Or empty-nesting? Or going through menopause—and discovering a pimple AT 55???

Perhaps some of these ring a bell with you?

The reality is with age comes both the good AND the bad. There are times in my life I would not want to go through again—and others I would. There are times I have not yet experienced and am looking forward to—and others I am not. Such is life—and such is aging.

While it’s true that for many people older adulthood comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and intellectual challenges, it also comes with its own set of joys, opportunities, and causes for celebration. That is why we would be wise not to define it by the former, but by the latter. After all, older age is a gift not afforded to everyone—and those who are lucky enough to attain it should try to embrace and cherish every moment they can.

Because the truth is AGE DOESN'T SUCK—AGEISM DOES. And it’s time we ALL work to put an end to it. You hear that, Marie???