Botanica Chair, Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
(“Idea for a ghost story: a woman gets old and falls out of time and realizes she’s invisible.)”
Emily St. John Mandel
As women age, do they become invisible in society, particularly in America, where youth is often prioritized? As we age, we are perceived as less valuable and less capable of contributing. The concept of “The invisibility factor” has gained traction, suggesting that people lose interest in our perspectives and opinions as we age.
I’m less concerned about how others perceive me and more focused on my own self-assessment. There’s no reason I should accept the notion that my age diminishes my value. I refuse to let anyone else dictate my worth. This isn’t the first time someone has attempted to define my identity. In my youth, I sometimes succumbed to the lie, but life experience has made me more discerning. I can recognize a fabrication when I hear it.
This realization of my own value is not dependent on what society thinks of me. It only matters what I think of myself. As we age, if we ‘re fortunate, we come to the understanding that our self -worth can only be stolen if we allow it to be.
Peace be with you.
Aging with Grace 
6 responses to “The Invisible Aging Woman”
So true. It isn’t easy, though.
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You’re right. It’s often not easy. ❤️
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“It only matters what I think of myself. As we age, if we ‘re fortunate, we come to the understanding that our self -worth can only be stolen if we allow it to be.” Wise, wise words. Need to carve them into stone.
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⭐️ Thank you, Brian. Sadly, sometimes easier said than done.
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I’ve heard from older men that this is happening to them as well. I may be invisible to society, but they’re too glued to their phones to notice anyone. We are who the almighty says we are and that’s when invisibility becomes our super power. Mama always said, “It’s the silent ones we need to be concerned with.” You will never be invisible to me! 🧡
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You are right. Invisibility can be a super power! ❤️
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