Women trailblazers in the media come together to discuss the realities of ageism

Ageism affects us all, impacting the ways we see ourselves and the things we think we are capable of as we age. In the media, negative experiences are felt all too often by older women, where they are also vastly underrepresented.

We gathered a panel of brilliant women from across the media to discuss some of these realities of ageism, and we are excited to share the full conversation below.

The panellists are either trailblazers who have smashed stereotypes in their careers, both as women and as they’ve aged, or they work to tackle negative attitudes toward ageing, explore what it means to age well and challenge expectations about older women.

“Your contract comes to an end and oh! Surprise, surprise, it doesn't get renewed.” - Dame Joan Bakewell 

The conversation is hosted by legendary broadcaster Dame Joan Bakewell, who is joined by writer and broadcaster and host of The Shift podcast, Sam Baker, who is committed to sharing older women’s stories; NHS Doctor and Broadcaster Dr Radha Modgil who wants us all to age as healthily as possible; Beauty Editor Anita Bhagwandas, author of the book Ugly which challenges the beauty standards women are held to, including as we age; and Professor Dame Carol Black, an Expert Advisor on Health and Work to the UK Government and Chair of the Board at Centre for Ageing Better, the charity behind the Age Without Limits campaign.

“If we hear enough of the same thing, ‘getting old is bad’ or if we see enough images of ‘being older means you’re frail’, then we start to believe that. We take on those thoughts and we make them our beliefs. And then our beliefs direct our actions and behaviours.” - Dr Radha Modgil

The panel discuss their own personal experiences, how the media portrays age and ageing, and the actions various parts of the media can take to ensure that portrayal is more accurate. 

Watch the conversation below.