Ageism in the Arts

 

Ageism is running rampant in America.

It's as simple as that. We live in a world where all cultures discuss various forms of discrimination, but no one talks about age discrimination. Think about all of the 'isms' we're dealing with: racism, sexism, and much, much more. But it's amazing that no one discusses ageism.

It's a big part of our culture that is unspoken, and the arts are no exception. We may not want to discuss this, but it's important to open people's eyes to this important subject.

Ageism is defined as discrimination or prejudice against people based on their age. It effects people of all ages, but frequently focuses on older adults. Think about it. Employers don't interview older people. How do we think about people in senior centers and retirement communities? This is a younger culture we live in. And ageism effects us in more ways than we think. Most people think, feel and act around others based on their age. This is ageism.

The arts are no exception.

The job market is one field, but let's talk about the arts. Senior citizen theatre is growing in this country. All of us age. What's the alternative? Would you rather get old, or die young? According to studies, in the next 25 years, a big chunk of us will be over 65. Do you want to be creative as you age? Of course you do. And as we age, we have more life experiences. That can help with the arts. With the arts, it combines theatre and film. They're more connected than you know. Most people think a movie is a movie, and a play is a play. They are, and are different, but there's so many ways they're the same. For example, both use the same process in getting an arts product made. There's an entire process to making a play or a film. And Hollywood? They're focused on the younger community. That city is full of a younger culture, and they focus on TV and film with youth. Just flip on a TV, and you'll see what we're talking about. You don't see TV shows with older characters. And when you do, they become a hit, because people want to see things that are real. They want to relate to the characters. Hollywood is so out of touch with the rest of the country. They've been this way for years and years.

You don't have to be in Hollywood or New York to be creative and make art. Making art begins in the community.

The health benefits of being creative are unlimited. There's so much out there, to show people how creativity can help physically and mentally. Plus, think about the times we're living in. We need as much help with mental health as we can get, and the arts can do that.

If you google the words 'senior citizen theatre' or 'creative aging', you'd be amazed at what's out there. Programs need to be made for the senior community. More people are seeing this, which is a wonderful thing. When seniors participate in the arts, and do things like acting, writing and more, it helps them in many ways. They are hungry to have a showcase for what they can do, can want to be a part of the community. Senior citizens have a lifetime of experiences they can share with others. And by them engaging with art, they can improve things like their memory, their voice, body, become more confident, and not be so lonely. There are a lot of senior arts programs out there. It's up to all of us to be the change we want to see in the world.

Once we don't look at someone because of their age, and give them opportunities that others have, we can begin to break down ageism. It's up to us to do this.