Is aging really a disease? If you listen to many so-called experts in the media, it is.
According to decades worth of stories in the media, the more we age, the more we are expected to disengage not only from society but also detach from our desires.
Why is that?
And if this is true, what can we do about it?
These questions and more will be answered as we continue our series, “The Invisible Customer with All the Money®”. In this timely series, we are focusing on how women over 60 can begin telling a new and better story about what we can be, do, and experience through self-love.
If we have missed the previous installments, you can find them here:
#1: 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Power from the Media
#2: Aging Stereotypes: Can You Be More Feeble?
#3: 10 Steps to Influence Yourself from Within
#4: What Makes Your World Go Round After 60?
#5: 10 Steps to Unleash Your Inspired Voice After 60
#6: 5 Steps for Taking Back Control of Our Choices from the Media
The Disengagement Theory
Since we were young, the media has been programming our generation about the rules of aging. In doing so, we were unconsciously being prepared to disengage from who we truly are.
But the media must be getting their information from someone or somewhere, right?
In their 1961 book, Growing Old, social scientists Elaine Cumming and William Henry proposed their Disengagement Theory, which is based on the premise:
“Aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement, resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to.”
Based on the idea that the older generation of society must accept their demise, the expectation is for them to go quietly into the night of their retirement. This allows for the spotlight to be placed on the youth of society at the expense of the aging.
The Disengagement Theory ignited a new field of research in social science, particularly with a focus on aging. Our parents and grandparents were the baseline for this.
While we are absolutely nothing like the generations that came before us, that has not stopped the media from peddling this outdated theory.
Does Youth Really Equal Profits?
Many of the younger decision-makers in the media today have not heard of the Disengagement Theory. But it carries enormous influence on why the media and their advertising partners ignore the 60+ consumer while focusing on younger generations.
For something so antiquated as the Disengagement Theory is, why has it remained just as prominent today as it was in years past?
From the media’s perspective, the prevailing belief is that youth equals profits. This, however, has proven to be totally false.
When you look at the studies and research about the continuous economic influence of our generation, the statistics are undeniable. Those of us who are 60 and over are a driving force in major areas of economic growth.
Do You Think for Yourself?
Every one of us would like to believe we think for ourselves. But how true is that?
Apart from the media, what makes the Disengagement Theory relevant today is an unwillingness of many people to genuinely think for themselves. Like the generations that came before us and after us, we too have been programmed to let authority figures think for us.
As triggering as it may be for some to look at this, regurgitating facts from the media and living the media’s pre-determined storyline for your life is not thinking for yourself.
10 Steps to Re-Engage with Life
Where do you start to think for yourself and re-engage with life after 60? Here are 10 steps I’ve personally applied to important areas of my life.
Prioritize Mental Well-Being
Be mindful of what kind of media stories you consume. Engage in more healthy practices of self-love and self-care that will enhance mental clarity and re-engage you with your true, authentic self.
Pursue Lifelong Learning
Enroll in courses at local community colleges or online platforms like Udemy to learn how to expand your mind and open your heart.
Embrace Physical Activity
From yoga, aerobics, and dance, to walking and even meditation, find something that both suits your mobility and interest. This is both therapeutic and invigorating.
Explore New Places
Plan trips, whether local or international. If budget or mobility is a concern, consider virtual travel experiences.
Positive Social Engagement
Disengage from negative stories and instead, engage with uplifting books and look into gardening groups, or community organizations.
Indulge Your Creative Side
Try painting, knitting, or pottery. Take classes in music and writing. You can even look into supporting creative artists.
Engage Digitally
Familiarize yourself with current technology. It can keep you connected to people and topics that make your heart sing.
Replace Limiting Beliefs
Identify what beliefs about aging are holding you back. Replace them with new, more empowering beliefs.
Journal Your Emotions
Document your experiences, memories, and reflections. This can open you up to more of your true, authentic self.
Embrace Time in Nature
Cultivate a garden or start placing potted plants at home. Visit local trails, botanical gardens, or parks.
Re-engagement with life is not a byproduct of fighting against the media. For if you see it as an “us against them” scenario, you are not engaging with life but disengaging from it.
Ultimately, re-engagement with life is an act of self-love. It’s about finding joy, purpose, and connection with life on your terms. Let that be enough because you are enough.
I invite you to join me in the video where I share additional insights and personal stories that will help you integrate what you are learning into your life.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you heard of the Disengagement Theory of aging? What’s your reaction to it? How do you re-engage with life after 60?