Western society's celebration of youth often comes at the expense of honoring the wisdom and experience of older adults, leading to isolation, loneliness, and feelings of worthlessness among the aging population. While aging can involve physical decline and social neglect, research indicates many older adults maintain good health and cognitive function, with numerous artists and musicians becoming more creative later in life. Individuals can improve their outlook through lifestyle choices involving nutrition, physical activity, and intellectual engagement.
Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Kixx Goldman addressed this issue in a piece on her website titled "Healing My Own Trauma Of Aging". She referenced the Netflix film "Queen Bees," starring Ellen Burstyn, which portrays an independent widow finding romance and new possibilities in a senior community. Goldman described the film as a "balm" for her own traumatic responses to aging, which were heightened after watching a CNN segment.
On October 1, 2023, Fareed Zakaria's GPS show featured a discussion framed by the question "What is it about American politics that's attracting a kind of Gerontocracy?" following a photo of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Goldman expressed dismay that the segment, which included comments about whether some senators would "die before they retire," failed to acknowledge Feinstein's accomplishments or the tributes honoring her career. This experience led Goldman to explore the American Psychological Association's perspective on ageism.
In a Monitor on Psychology cover story, author Kirsten Weir reported that psychologists are examining age discrimination in American culture and helping people reimagine healthier relationships with aging. Weir noted that ageism remains one of the last socially acceptable prejudices, evident in anti-aging products and derogatory memes. Psychologists are working to change this narrative.
Goldman's approach to healing is further explored in her book, Speak From Your Heart And Be Heard: Stories Of Courage And Healing. The collection features eight fictional stories drawn from her life and client experiences, focusing on characters overcoming trauma through resilience and emotional honesty. Stories include a devoted father rewriting his past, a teacher escaping an attack, and a therapist defying the establishment. The book emphasizes that trauma is unique to each individual, requiring personalized paths to healing.
Reviewers have praised the book for its transformative message. Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD, noted that the characters' resilience shows how speaking one's truth leads to change and healing. Reader Liz Moulden stated the stories gave her "a second chance and a voice," highlighting how those who have experienced trauma can see themselves in the narratives. Goldman's work, including her blog on topics from psychology to family dynamics, offers resources for confronting ageism and personal challenges, underscoring the importance of rethinking societal attitudes toward aging to foster dignity and inclusion for older adults.
