Concluding Thoughts on Essay Series 4

Societal sex-based and age-based myths kill people. They affect both sexes’ health, mental health, and overall well-being. As a society, we need to reject the stereotypes that affect everyone, including older adults.

Women are at a particular disadvantage compared to men because research on their medical conditions lags behind the research on men’s. Another disadvantage for women is that they don’t control their own reproduction and can die or be arrested as a result of a miscarriage or an abortion.

Several ways to break through the stereotypes include:

1. Recognizing the negative impacts of sexist and ageist myths on everyone.

1. Speaking up, when it is safe to do so, against sexist and ageist stereotypes in health care, as well as in conversations and interactions with others.

1. Men taking responsibility for birth control and contributing financially to any children they father.

1. Learning about the defects in the U.S. health and mental health systems that harm everyone.

1. Advocating for needed changes to health, mental health, and reproductive care at the federal, state, and local levels.