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Diane Britt-Smith | Pro-Ager. Actor. NYC

@dianebrittsmith

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Marriage. Motherhood. Midlife Reinvention. Encouraging women 40+ to live visible, bold, & fully.
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A big thank you to the @lifeinthepause Life in the Pause Festival for inviting me to be a panelist on October 18. Dixie and Monique brought together an inspiring array of experts and those of us with lived experiences. My heart is still full.

It was a wonderful opportunity to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause, highlight the challenges many of us face as we age, and shine a spotlight on issues that too often go unspoken or misunderstood.

Ageism isn’t going away unless we push back. And yes, that means ALL of us!

I’m tired of the idea that getting older somehow makes us less capable, less interesting, less valuable or less relevant. Who made up these rules anyway? 🤷🏽‍♀️

But here’s the thing. We can’t just complain about ageism. We have to challenge it. And sometimes that starts with the little things.

Here’s my prescription for clapping back at ageism:

👏🏽 CALL IT OUT. When someone makes an ageist comment, even disguised as a joke, don’t automatically laugh along. Sometimes a simple “What do you mean by that?” is enough to make someone rethink what they just said.

👏🏽 WATCH YOUR OWN LANGUAGE. Stop saying “I’m too old for that” when what you really mean is “I don’t feel like doing that!” 😂 We sometimes reinforce the very stereotypes we’re fighting.

👏🏽 REFUSE TO BECOME INVISIBLE. Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep contributing. Take up space in rooms where people might not expect to see someone your age.

👏🏽 CHALLENGE IT WHEN YOU SEE IT HAPPENING TO OTHERS. Especially in the workplace. Ageism isn’t just about hurt feelings. It can cost people opportunities, promotions and livelihoods.

And one more thing: Don’t become an ageist yourself! We can’t demand respect for older generations while dismissing younger ones.

I’m not interested in pretending I’m younger than I am. I’m interested in changing what people think someone my age can do.

And that’s a fight worth having.

Your turn: What’s the most ridiculous ageist comment you’ve heard, and how did you respond? 👇🏽 by @dianebrittsmith

I lost my mom to dementia in 2019. It was a long journey.

Before her diagnosis, there were several signs, some I didn’t want to acknowledge. I explained things away. I told myself she was getting older. Until eventually, I couldn’t.

One thing I didn’t understand at the time was that some people with dementia genuinely don’t realize anything is wrong.

There’s actually a name for it: anosognosia.

It’s not simply denial. Anosognosia is a neurological symptom that can prevent someone from recognizing their own cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association says it’s common in people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

That explained so much about my mother.

When she told me, “There’s nothing wrong with my memory. It’s just forgetfulness. Everybody has it. You just wait,” she wasn’t necessarily trying to convince me.

She believed it.

And understanding that eventually changed the way I responded to her.

That’s part of why I’m doing Dementia Sucks, But…

Over the next several weeks, I’ll share some of what my mother’s 15-year journey with dementia taught me—the hard parts, the funny moments, the mistakes I made, the bright spots, and especially what I learned about meeting someone where they are.

And I want this to be a conversation.

If you’ve loved or cared for someone with dementia, what’s something you wish you had known at the beginning?

Let’s learn from each other. ❤️

Source: Alzheimer’s Association — Anosognosia⁠ by @dianebrittsmith

Shortly after my birthday somebody said “you don’t really act like you’re 64” …

Not sure if that was a compliment or a dig, but all I asked was “so what does 64 act like?”

No real answer to that. I said “it acts like me!” 😂

For real though, we’re just over here trying to stay fit and healthy, and honestly some days it’s easier than others. But we will never stop trying to have fun.

Side note - this man has a very strong back 😉😘 by @dianebrittsmith

One thing about this aging journey? You HAVE to have a sense of humor! 😂

Ever since I stopped coloring my hair, I’ve had some of the funniest conversations with complete strangers. Everybody’s got an opinion about gray hair, what makes us look younger, and what supposedly makes us look old.

And I find the whole thing fascinating.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that aging is inevitable. Taking ourselves too seriously is optional. 😂

My silver-haired sisters, what’s the funniest thing a stranger has said about your hair? by @dianebrittsmith

I knew it would be great. I had no idea JUST how great. What an amazing evening.

Put it on your calendar now! Thank you @relayinfluence

@wantedmusical

@dsmith925 by @dianebrittsmith

I love @ilovethedoux products, and this one, so far, is my favorite. Even my son uses it on his curls. by @dianebrittsmith

Funny how the people I spent years looking after are now looking after me. 😂 I’ve got a whole lot of life ahead of me, and I want the right people in my corner. Who’s in yours?

If Medicare is coming up for you or someone you love, the link in my bio is a good place to start.

UHC Collaborator | ad | @UnitedHealthcareMedicarePlans by @dianebrittsmith

It’s a right denied to many.

Just do it … please. #2026 by @dianebrittsmith

Wear the short skirt. Rock the funky glasses. Color your hair blue. Put your hair in two big ol’ balls if you feel like it. 😂

Life’s too short to let somebody else’s idea of “age-appropriate” steal your fun.

#silversisterscommunity by @dianebrittsmith

Episode 3. My clock is just like what she drew - but the doctor understood and said she passed with flying colors. 🙏🏽 She still had cognitive impairment that eventually progressed to dementia.

Here’s what I want other families to know:

❤️ Passing a memory screening doesn’t mean everything is okay. Someone can remember names, dates, and important events and still be experiencing cognitive decline.

❤️ Trust what you’re noticing. Repeated questions, changes in judgment, difficulty managing finances, confusion with familiar tasks, or personality changes deserve attention.

❤️ Write things down. Document specific incidents and share them with the doctor. Ask for a comprehensive cognitive evaluation if you’re concerned.

❤️ Early diagnosis matters. Some causes of cognitive problems are treatable. And newer medications, including Leqembi and Kisunla, may slow progression in certain people with early Alzheimer’s disease.

These medications aren’t cures, aren’t appropriate for everyone, and carry serious risks. But early evaluation can help families understand their options.

Two excellent resources:

🔹 Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments

🔹 National Institute on Aging: nia.nih.gov (search Alzheimer’s treatments)

And please remember: Your loved one may resist getting evaluated. Mine did. Approach them with compassion, patience, and dignity.

You may not be able to change the diagnosis. But an early diagnosis may change what options are available. ❤️

#DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #dementiacaregivers @dementiaorg by @dianebrittsmith

In and around the city, I feel the rhythm of the streets above and under ground. It’s intoxicating but some days, it’s almost too much.

Then, the quiet night sky quiets my soul.

Grateful for it all. by @dianebrittsmith

Listen, I can be sweet as honey, mind my business, stay in my lane and wish everybody well. 🍯🐝

But please don’t confuse my peace with permission to play with me. 😂

We not looking for drama, arguments or anybody’s approval. I’m just trying to protect my peace and eat my French fries while they’re still hot.

Sweet? Absolutely. A pushover? Never.

Now tell me … are you a butterfly or a bee? 🦋🐝 by @dianebrittsmith