Pauline Nevins

“How about writing an article on ageism,” my hiking friend, Mary, suggested as I puffed my way up a hill on a Tuesday morning Newcomers and Neighbors hike. “I’m frustrated,” she added, “that ageism remains socially acceptable.”

Unfortunately, that’s a true statement. Who hasn’t heard the jokes and seen the merchandise that ridicule and demean seniors? Society has made gains to combat the other isms – ableism, racism and sexism – that began by understanding the serious negative effects of these prejudices, and by calling them out.


The article was on my mind when a stylish white-haired woman pulled out a chair beside me at a recent Newcomers’ membership drive in Missions Coffee in Auburn. I shared with my new friend Betty I was gathering information for an article and asked if she’d mind telling me her age. Yes, she’d mind, she said sweetly, and didn’t tell me. That surprising response warranted further discussion, and we agreed to meet at the café the following week.

Betty was sitting at a corner table when I approached carrying my decaf coffee latte. I learned she was born in Loomis, once owned clothing and antique shops in Auburn, and was currently building a studio to continue her passion for painting animals and landscapes. Still no age reveal. I understood. People consciously or unconsciously make negative assumptions about a person’s worth based on a number. I should know.

Three years ago, I applied to fill a vacancy on the board of our local water district along with two others. At the candidate interview meeting, one of the serving board members was notably absent but submitted a memorandum recommending appointment of the youngest of the three applicants and referred to the two others as “… old-timers” and the need for “fresh blood.” I winced at the ageist insult then blurted, “I’m younger than the president!” Everyone laughed. They unanimously appointed me.

But the effects of ageism are no laughing matter. The United Nations has recognized this as a serious issue and tasked the World Health Organization with leading The Global Campaign to Combat Ageism – a guide for government policy-makers that envisions “a world in which everyone can live a longer and healthier life.”

Since I moved to the foothills, I’ve been lucky enough to encounter countless seniors who defy ageist stereotypes. They’ve joined clubs, volunteered, pursued creative endeavors such as painting, sewing or writing. They keep limber by practicing tai chi or yoga. Keep fit by hiking, skiing, playing pickleball and dancing.

I haven’t danced for a while. Over the years, I’ve dragged my husband onto dance floors where he self-consciously shuffled from one foot to the other. So, when I heard one of the Newcomers’ hikers mention her Friday morning line dancing class at the Auburn Senior Center – a dance that didn’t require a partner – I hustled off to the Senior Center.

I entered a room that was full (all women and one man) but not overcrowded. The instructor is Valerie Harrison, a retired teacher who’s been teaching line dancing at the center for 10 years. This petite dynamo is 81 years old.

I hid in the back and tried to follow Valerie as she called out instructions. When I couldn’t see her feet, I locked onto those of a nearby student. Unfortunately, she was a beginner and no help at all. Just when I thought I might be getting it, Valerie switched to another dance, and then another. I decided my dancing days may be over.

I telephoned Valerie when drafting this article, and she encouraged me to come back to the Senior Center and try again. And I may. She also referred me to a website: copperknob.co.uk that lists a mindboggling 148,470 step sheets and countless videos, uploaded by choreographers from all over the world. It’s a terrific site (minus the ads). Among the dances listed is Night Fever, choreographed by the late acclaimed actor and dancer Lester Wilson. He coached John Travolta in the 1977 movie “Saturday Night Fever.” There’s a demonstration video that will get you up and moving.

Something else that may be of interest, a podcast: “Wiser Than Me,” hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She interviews older women to gain and share their wisdom. Intrigued, I discovered her podcast at lemonadamedia.com.

I’m making progress on an interview list of 22 women, and the conversations with Gloria Steinem, Bonnie Raitt, Debbie Allen and comedienne Fran Leibowitz have been fascinating.

Julia asked each of her guests their age, and then how old they felt. Fran Leibowitz replied she was 72 – and felt 82.

Sometimes, age can be a laughing matter.