Reclaiming “Old”:Wearing Age with Pride

“I am on a crusade to destigmatise the word 'old'. And so, through my book, I aimed to counteract the prevalent anti-ageing and ageism that we see far too often in a society that overvalues youth and undervalues age. What I wanted to show, instead, is that being older, and old are not to be feared, or denied, but to be fully engaged in, enjoyed where possible, and managed in all of its rich complexity.”

Anne Ring, Engaging with Ageing

I am comfortable with the word "Old'. To a 20-year-old, I am old—and I am comfortable with that. In fact, I consider it a privilege. Reclaiming the word “old” is a radical act, one that challenges the internalised ageism seeded deep within many of us by society’s relentless emphasis on youth and the “anti-ageing” industry.

Why “Old” Needs Reclaiming

 

Too often, “old” is wielded as an insult or softened with euphemisms that deny the richness of later life. Marketing bombards us with “anti-ageing” promises, as if growing older is something to hide or fear. This thinking seeps into our own perception, leading us not only to fear “becoming old” but also to reject the word for ourselves. Yet, as Anne Ring writes in her book, Engaging with Ageing, we must destigmatise “old” by recognising it as a descriptive term, not a negative label.

Advocating for “Old”

 

Anne Ring, Silver Sirens' cherished elder and a leading voice on reframing ageing, boldly asserts her comfort and pride in being “old.” In Engaging with Ageing, Ring draws on personal and professional experience to highlight the richness of later life and the absurdity of conflating all that is wonderful about longevity with youth. She warns against compliments like “80 years young,” which reinforce the idea that youth is inherently better, and instead claims the word “old” with delight and gratitude. “Let’s not confuse continuing to do what we like to do with ‘staying young’—rather, it’s simply the continuation into old age of who we are as individuals,” she writes.

The Power of Words

 

Language is never neutral. Internalised ageism often appears in how we police our own words and identities. “Old” is not an insult—it’s an achievement, a badge of endurance and experience. By reclaiming it, we challenge the stereotypes and biases that society projects onto us and assert our right to live visibly and vibrantly, embracing every stage of life.

Living Old, Living Proud

 

Reclaiming “old” is more than a linguistic shift; it’s an act of self-acceptance. The journey of ageing brings challenges and change, but it also brings opportunities for growth, creativity, and joy. Anne Ring’s message, echoed by so many elders, is clear: refuse to let others define “old” for you—and wear the word with pride.

Old isn’t a shameful secret to cloak; it’s an identity to celebrate—honestly, unapologetically, and together.

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