Doña Sara: a story to face ageism

Doña Sara wakes up early every morning, just as she has done for almost her whole life.
She opens the windows of her home to let the sunshine in, prepares her coffee calmly in her usual coffee pot, and sits down to see what is happening in her neighborhood. She is 78 years old and has a peaceful smile that shows everything she has lived. For her, age is not a burden; it is a collection of experiences.

For many years, Doña Sara was a teacher in the public school in the nearby town. She taught whole generations how to read and had a strong impact on her community. Today she is retired, but she is still an active person: she takes care of her plants, talks with her neighbors, joins community activities, and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Even so, she has not always felt valued.

Sometimes, while she is speaking, others start talking over her as if what she says does not matter, or they do things for her without asking, assuming she cannot do them. This is a clear form of age discrimination, known as ageism. Ageism refers to discrimination, stereotypes, or prejudice against people because of their age, usually older adults.

It often appears in comments or actions that limit their participation and also their dignity, causing isolation and negatively affecting their health. It is the way a person is judged, limited, or underestimated only because of their age. Many times it is not meant to hurt anyone, but it can still affect self-esteem and the way a person sees themselves.

Doña Sara learned over time that:

• Getting older does not mean stopping being capable.
• It means having gained wisdom, patience, and a different way of seeing the world.
• Do not let yourself be defined by what others thought you “could no longer do”.

The beauty of age is exactly there:

• Recognizing that every stage of life has value.
• Being an older adult does not mean losing; it means transforming.
• The pace, priorities, and body may change, but you gain experience and the ability to enjoy small moments.

Talking about ageism in a positive way also means changing the conversation.
Instead of seeing age as a limitation, we can see it as a strength. Older adults have stories to tell, advice to share, and a presence that brings balance to society.

Doña Sara often tells her grandchildren that the most important thing is to listen to yourself and respect your own process. “You learn to go more slowly, but also to see more clearly,” she tells them, to help them understand why she does not live at the same pace as they do.

Adapting to the stage of being an older adult is not giving up; it is taking care of yourself and valuing yourself. Here are some simple tips to live this stage with well-being and confidence:

• Keep a daily routine that helps you feel useful and active, even if it is simple.
• Listen to your body and respect its limits, without stopping moving.
• Learn something new, no matter your age.
• Surround yourself with people who value you and listen to you.
• Express how you feel and do not be afraid to ask for help.
• Celebrate your achievements and your story; you have come this far for a reason.

Doña Sara does not see herself as an “old” woman, but as a complete woman. Every wrinkle tells a story, and every gray hair represents a path she has walked. Her life is proof that growing older can also be beautiful, dignified, and full of meaning.

If at any time you feel that you have been a victim of ageism and believe you need professional help to manage how it affects you, you can use Triple-S services through TeleConsulta MD:

• You will have access to a licensed health psychologist.
• You can have your visit online from your mobile phone or your computer.
• You can have unlimited virtual visits (please check your policy to make sure your plan includes this benefit).
• Services are available 7 days a week, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• You can speak with general doctors, internal medicine doctors, family doctors, and pediatricians. You can also see specialists such as a kidney doctor, lung doctor, heart doctor, hormone doctor, psychologist, women’s health doctor, and brain doctor.

Age does not define a person’s worth, but everything they have lived. And that deserves to be celebrated.