Mission Statement
Welcome, my name is Doug Truppe, and I am an artist representative for commercial photographers and directors in the global market. Our mission is to empower, elevate and foster a sense of community for those employed in the advertising industry. Focusing on mental health, our hope is to provide a forum and backdrop to discuss and share the challenges our industry is facing in a fast paced ever changing global economy. Concentrating on one’s well-being with the expertise of a mental health practitioner, Gabriel Most LCSW, RN, come join us as we explore and discuss managing mental health in the advertising industry. Ultimately, we are here to provide helpful resources and offer a friendly voice in challenging times.
Ageism: Fact or Fiction
Please join us as we address various issues and mental health challenges on a weekly basis creating a forum for communication and solutions with experts in advertising and mental health. In this week’s topic, “Ageism: Fact or Fiction” Doug Truppe and Gabriel Most, LCSW, RN explore ageism in the work force, what to do about it, and how to manage it.
Ageism is a form of discrimination that targets individuals based on their age. A perception of being “too old.” These thought systems of being too old are born out of cultural and societal beliefs which prioritize youthfulness and associate getting older with a decline or incompetence and an idea that older individuals are less capable of learning new skills and resistant to change. Such broad stereotypes can lead to unfair treatment including exclusion from job opportunities.
Ageism can create the following psychological ramifications.
1-Low Self-Esteem- Ageism can have an impact on our sense of self-worth and identity. “No one is hiring me; I can’t find work! Who am I if I can’t find a job?” Studies have also shown that when older adults internalize this messaging of ageist attitudes it can lead to a decline in cognitive functioning.
2-Depression and Anxiety- Experiencing ageism can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiety.
3-Fear of Aging- Ageism can perpetuate the fear of aging, leading individuals to excessively reconstruct their face and bodies to keep up with youth driven culture. Moderation is key. Cosmetic treatments can give us confidence but overdoing it can highlight insecurities and obsession with youth at any cost. Confidence is key.
It is not all doom and gloom. Here is what one can do to manage ageism in the workplace.
1-Don’t buy into the narrative if you experience ageism.
-Stay resilient and remain empowered. Lead by example. Age can be an asset. It’s experience. it’s a perspective, based on years of successful campaigns. Highlight this and don’t make your age an issue even if it appears to be one for others.
-Stay confident. Your age is an asset, even if you didn’t get hired. Stay current on all the new trends and skill sets. Don’t be afraid to learn new things and wrap yourself around the latest trends in technology and the industry.
2-Promote Inclusivity-Talk about, focus on contributions from colleagues of all ages and highlight the importance of appreciation for diverse age perspectives.
3-Mentorships-Sharing your expertise and perspective can help bridge generational gaps and foster great collaborations and sharing of ideas.
Champion advertising campaigns that feature people of different ages, showcasing the value of age diversity in target markets. Highlight diverse campaigns.
Share your story. How have you managed ageism in the workplace? We’d love to hear from you. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Together we can create a community of empowerment.
This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite
Gabriel Most LCSW, RN www.GMostTherapy.com
Contact me to share your stories: hello@dougtruppe.com
