Invisible at the Table: Western Culture's Quiet Marginalization of Older Adults

Western cultures often stop noticing older adults, treating them as irrelevant rather than engaging with them; this 'stigma of perceived irrelevance' can shape self-perception and, strikingly, longevity, with research showing people who harbor positive views of aging live years longer. The piece urges including older adults in conversations, consulting them for input, and ensuring they remain in rooms where they are valued to mitigate the damage.