Healthspan and The Perception of Age: A Reflection on Ageism
May 11, 2025
Today, while walking through the park, an 8-year-old girl stopped in front of me and asked, with total curiosity, “Are you a kid or a mum?”
Me, amused: “I’m a forever kid.”
Her, smiling: “I thought so.”
That sweet moment stayed with me—not just because it was charming, but because it held a deeper truth about how we see each other… and how others perceive us.
Just moments later, I bumped into a friend of mine, a pediatrician. I told her the story and asked, “Do kids at your practice ever ask how old you are?”
“No, she asked you because you have this youthful, playful style—she thought you where one of them.”
True—I am playful. Not just with kids, but in life. I laugh easily. I move freely. I stay curious. That’s not just a personality trait—it’s a longevity strategy.
But the encounter stirred something deeper in me. It made me reflect on the subtle face of ageism—not the kind we talk about in headlines or HR policies, but the quiet kind that seeps into everyday interactions. The kind that assumes what you're capable of, based on what you look like. Even young children form assumptions based on age cues, often unaware of the biases those perceptions carry.
Understanding the Many Faces of Ageism
Ageism is not confined to overt discrimination. It often surfaces subtly, as assumptions about competence, identity, or life stage. Early in my professional journey, when I founded my business in the health sector, I encountered these assumptions firsthand. Doctors and senior professionals often presumed I was too young to be taken seriously. I remember feeling the need to overdeliver—presenting more data, preparing twice as hard—just to establish a baseline of credibility. Despite careful preparation and clear vision, age became an unspoken barrier. These moments, while rarely confrontational, communicated that I would need to earn trust in ways that went beyond my actual qualifications.
And it’s not just professional life.
When I was a teen, people would say to my mother, “Your husband is waiting for you over there!”—referring to my oldest brother. Some may see that as a compliment, but to her, it was belittling. It erased her role and dignity as mother.
Fast forward, it happened to me: I took my son to the urologist, and the staff assumed I was his girlfriend. Who’s ageing here—me, for being seen as “too young” to be a mum? Or him, for being seen as “old enough”?
Here’s the truth: ageism isn’t just about being “too old.” It’s also about being “too young.” It’s about being boxed in by someone else’s assumptions—whether you’re a young founder, a teenage parent, or someone growing older with vibrance and vitality.
What This Has to Do with Your Healthspan
If you’re on a journey to live a long, vibrant life—what I call a #To💯Healthy Healthspan—you’ll run into social narratives about age, especially if you challenge the norms.
Being underestimated because you’re young or older is amusing to me—to others it may feel like discrimination. It can chip away at self-trust, self-image, and your energy. And energy, as we know, is the currency of Healthspan.
So here’s what I’ve learned:
🌀Your age doesn’t define your worth.
🌀 Your role doesn’t define your identity.
🌀 And how others label you has nothing to do with who you really are.
Staying playful, curious, and youthful isn’t something to grow out of—it’s something to protect. Your mindset is your mitochondria. If you want to live #To💯Healthy, start with how you see yourself. And challenge how others try to define you.
Your Age Is Not Your Identity
You can be playful and professional.
You can be wise and youthful.
You can be taken seriously without taking yourself too seriously.
Like I told that little girl in the park, I’m a forever kid at heart. But I’m also a woman wearing many hats, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a Healthspan advocate with lived wisdom. I contain multitudes. So do you.
Let’s stop letting numbers—or strangers—shrink us.
Moving Beyond Numbers
In an aging society, age should not be the primary metric by which we evaluate capability or value. People can be both serious and lighthearted, both youthful and experienced. These qualities are not mutually exclusive. The brief exchange in the park reminded me of the importance of embracing all aspects of our identity—without apologizing for being either seasoned or spirited. Everyone deserves to be seen for who they are, not simply for the age they appear to be.
Continuing the Conversation
Have you encountered assumptions based on your age—whether too young or too old? These experiences offer important insights into how age perception affects our personal and professional lives.
I invite you to share your perspective. This dialogue is essential if we want to build a society that values people beyond numbers. I’m not here to build an aging society—I’m here to build a longevity society. Curious to learn more? Join my community and be part of this shift.
To your continued health and vitality,
Thi Hien Nguyen
I'm interested in hearing from you! Please leave your comments below and share your thoughts.
💌 Want more reflections like this in your inbox each Sunday? Subscribe to the #To💯Healthy newsletter, click here.
💬 Join the #To💯Healthy community group for discussions and support, click here.
📱 Follow me on social media for insights on living longer and better: @thi_hien_nguyen
🌐 Want to work with me or explore 1:1 Private Mentorship? Apply here.
I am passionate about the intersection of health, longevity and space -helping you live healthier, longer lives. I share actionable insights through my blog series #To💯Healthy.
Hi Performance Center is accepting new clients!
Are you looking to stay fit and healthy for longer? We're here to help you ...
Disclaimer: The content on this website reflects the views of Thi Hien Nguyen unless otherwise stated. Articles are the opinions of their authors and remain under copyright. This information is not a substitute for medical advise or a relationship with a healthcare provider. It is provided for educational purposes, based on the research and experience of Thi Hien Nguyen and her community. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any products or information, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition. For article use, contact us. Full reproduction is allowed for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. Written permission from Thi Hien Nguyen is required for other uses.