Gendered Ageism: The Unaddressed Discrimination Practice
By Mira Brancu, Ph.D. |Psychology Today _October 25, 2023
Mira Brancu, Ph.D. explores age diversity and gendered ageism with Top Sixty’s Helen Hirsh Spence and the five ways organizations can improve their DEI initiatives to address ageism. Ageism affects all genders but is often excluded from diversity initiatives. ”
READ MORE Estimated read, 5:28 min
The Longevity Dividend: Embracing 100 Years of Life
With Florz Bazie and Helen Hirsh Spence | October 13, 2023
Digital Accessibility Expert, Flora Bazie, chats with Helen Hirsh Spence about the Longevity Dividend and Embracing 100 Years of Life. Says Helen, “We [now] have a longevity dividend of about 30 years. Our grandchildren, because of medical and technological advances, and a much better understanding of nutrition and lifestyle, have an expected average lifespan of 100. What are we going to do with those years?”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Approx. 30 min.
Let’s ‘rebrand’ what it means to age, Canada
By Helen Hirsh Spence | Ottawa Citizen | October 5, 2023
“I intentionally use the term ‘older adults’ when referring to people over the age of 65 because both ‘seniors’ and ‘senior citizens”’ have particularly negative connotations”, says Helen Hirsh Spence.
Style guides, such as the American Psychological Association Publication Manual, among others, advise against their usage. “They connote a stereotype”, notes the manual, “and suggest that members of the group are not part of society but rather a group apart.”
These are people who unselfishly volunteer to do work that otherwise would require payment, who mentor and coach, and who make significant philanthropic contributions of skills and money.
READ MORE Estimated read, 3:00 min
Careers That Matter
With Stu McNish and Helen Hirsh Spence | May 26, 2023
Stu McNish chats with Helen Hirsh Spence about her ‘job’ at Top Sixty Over Sixty. This episode is part of Stu’s enlightening series, Careers That Matter, which showcases the fascinating career journeys of movers, shakers and builders from all sectors of our society. Learn more about Helen and her “Third Act“ journey as an entrepreneur and how Top Sixty Over Sixty came to be.
Watch the video HERE. Video, 12:13 min
Conversations That Matter: Over 60s add value to businesses
By Stu McNish, Special to the Vancouver Sun | May 26, 2023
Sorry, but we’re looking for someone younger who will stay with us longer. “These are just some of the reasons employers use to overlook talented over 60 applicants,” says Helen Hirsh Spence of Top Sixty Over Sixty. The group’s mission, according to its website, is to “provide tools and training to address ageism and promote age diversity in the workplace.”
Read the article HERE, then scroll down within the article to view the video of the entire conversation.
Video, 25:12 min
Demographics and Ageism Contribute to Labour Shortage in Canada
Mediaplanet, Empowering Aging Canadians | December 17, 2022
TopSixty Over Sixty partnered with @mediaplanetCA on the Empowering Aging Canadians campaign to highlight the prevalence of ageism in the workplace and how it is a contributing factor to the labour shortage in Canada today. Read Helen Hirsh Spence’s article, Demographics and Ageism Contribute to Labour Shortage in Canada HERE. Mediaplanet’s Empowering Aging Canadians insert appeared in The Toronto Star on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
Estimated read: 3:53 min
How younger and older workers benefit each other
A Little More Conversation, Global News Radio 640 Toronto | December 15, 2022
Bruce Claggett, guest host of A Little More Conversation with Ben O’Hara-Byrne chats with Helen Hirsh Spence about ageism and how younger and older workers benefit each other in the workplace. A Little More Conversation airs weekdays on 640 Toronto (CFIQ AM) and Corus radio stations across Canada.
LISTEN HERE
Radio interview, 17: min
Ageism Towards Our Ageing Workforce
ON Point, Global News Radio 640 Toronto | October 18, 2022
Show host, Rob Fai, chats with Helen Hirsh Spence about Canada’s talent shortage and how older workers can help fill the gap. Companies will have to address ageism and change strategies in order to retain, rehire, or recruit older workers.
LISTEN HERE and then click on Item 3
Radio interview, 8:00 min
It’s time to tackle ageism – no matter how old you are
Ottawa Citizen | October 3, 2022
Unlike other UN population groups such as women and children, there hasn’t yet been a convention related to the rights of older persons, even though the world’s population aged 60+ is increasing exponentially and will triple by 2050. This will exceed a population of more than two billion, according to the World Health Organization. READ MORE
Estimated read, 3:00 min
For Immediate Release
September 28, 2022
TOP SIXTY OVER SIXTY Joins Allies Across the Globe in Celebration of
1 October 2022 United Nations International Day of Older Persons
and 7 October 2022 Ageism Awareness Day
OTTAWA, Canada — TOP SIXTY OVER SIXTY along with the American Society on Aging (ASA) and others will celebrate Ageism Awareness Day on 7 October 2022. Modeled after the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2022, Ageism Awareness Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society.
The most widespread and socially accepted form of prejudice, ageism is defined by the World Health Organization as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” Evidence shows ageism is widespread in society and can be found everywhere, from our workplaces and health systems to stereotypes we see on TV, in advertising and in the media.
CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the full press release.
The Power of Advocacy: Overcoming Ageism
Executive Encore| September 15, 2022
Patricia A. Muir, Professional Certified Coach, chatted with Top Sixty founder, Helen Hirsh Spence in one of Patricia’s series of interviews with thought leaders and those who are enjoying fulfillment after the age of sixty. Helen described internalized ageism as “unconscious bias against ourselves and our future selves”. She spoke about how internalized ageism stops individuals from moving forward, and what fulfills her both in her work and her personal life. LISTEN HERE
Podcast, 16.49 min.
Retirement? Not for many Ottawa ‘senior-preneurs’
By Karla Briones
Ottawa Citizen| September 06, 2022
“The myth that older adults are not able to do this needs to be debunked.” Entrepreneurship seems to have a sexy appeal the younger you are. Just look at the variety of awards out there: ‘20 Under 20’ ‘30 Under 30’ and ‘40 Under 40’ awards, recognizing the contributions youth make to our economy. READ MORE
Estimated read, 3:00 min.
Rediscovering Yourself Midlife
Power Purpose Play| August 16, 2022
Kavita Ahuja, founder of Power Purpose Play, a global community of women in midlife, speaks with Helen Hirsh Spence about the positives of ageing and the negatives of ageism. Kavita quoted from a recent article by Helen, “Those born between 1946 and the early 1960s were disrupters. Now they continue as age liberators who recognize it is their time to give back or, preferably, to give forward. These 60-, 70-, and 80-year-olds are doing so by creating a movement where they are role-modelling the growth, power, potential, and the value of ageing.” Helen emphatically noted, “The future is older…” LISTEN HERE
Podcast, 47:51 min.
Hirsh Spence: As Canada’s demographics shift, it’s time to embrace ‘Age Liberation’
Ottawa Citizen| May 05, 2022
The world is on the precipice of a new revolution. Becca Levy, author of Breaking the Age Code, refers to it as “Age Liberation.” For decades, age has suffered an increasingly bad rap, but the paradigm is slowly shifting. With more Canadians over age 65 than under age 15, and close to one-quarter of the population turning 65 by 2025, Canada will need to prepare for a much older society.
According to the Statistics Canada April 27 census release, there are already more people aged 55 to 64 than those aged 15 to 24, the typical age of entry into the workforce. Although very few organizations are prepared for it, Canada’s workforce is aging significantly. Retirement and other current norms will soon be passé. READ MORE
Estimated read, 3:19 min. | Image: Andrea-Piacquadio_Pexels
Canada’s Ageing Workforce
CBC’s The Current | April 29 2022
Statistics Canada census data, released April 27, 2022, shows a record of one in five working adults are getting close to retirement age. That means businesses and workplaces could soon be struggling to fill positions — but some say it doesn’t need to be this way. Matt Galloway speaks with Helen Hirsh Spence, founder and CEO of Top Sixty Over Sixty, and Donna Wilson, a professor and gerontology researcher at the University of Alberta. LISTEN HERE
Segment duration, 21:08 min. | Image: CBC Media Centre
Getting Older, Feeling Better
Catalyst Magazine| April 2022
In the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s magazine, Catalyst, Peter McKinnon writes, “People 85 and older make up Canada’s fastest-growing population segment, increasing at nearly four times the rate of the total. Also growing quickly is the number of evidence-based tools and strategies to help them live longer, happier, and more fulfilling lives, which is good news, since the size of this group will triple over the next few decades.” READ MORE
Estimated read, 3:36 min. | Photo courtesy of Clarice Frazier
The(B)Older Women’s Policy Agenda: Careers, Care and Pensions
Forbes | April 14 2022
“The world over, we need a more ambitious—and more holistic—women’s policy agenda. One that integrates all of women’s life phases and roles—and recognizes the swelling ranks and particular challenges of older women. This means accepting the inter-dependencies between three issues, usually addressed separately—careers, care and pensions”, writes Avivah Wittenberg-Cox. In her section titled, Careers (The Post-50 Opportunity), she quotes Helen Hirsch Spence of Top Sixty Over Sixty, “Older adults want to upskill and continue working, they are a ready solution to many of our talent shortages.” READ MORE
Estimated read, 6:28 min. | Image: Centre for Ageing Better
There’s no expiry date on productivity: Agesim keeps many companies from benefiting from older workers
Ottawa Business Journal | April 8 2022
Caroline Phillips writes about her interviews with Carol Devenny, chief financial officer for Equality Fund, and Helen Hirsh Spence, Founder of Top Sixty Over Sixty. Devenny took on her current role after she had reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 at her previous position with the accounting firm, PwC Canada. Hirsh Spence would like to see more Canadian employers include older adults in their diversity, equity and inclusion strategies and comments, “Most people do not want to retire but they feel obliged to retire, they get forced out because of ageist beliefs and myths, all of which have been debunked by the research.” Read the full article HERE
Estimated read, 5:09 min.
“Older adults are part of the largest, healthiest, longest lived and best educated group in North American history”…Helen Hirsh Spence
City News Ottawa | March 23 2022
Host Sam Laprade talks with Helen Hirsh Spence about ageing, ageism, and how the longer lives of today’s and tomorrow’s older adults will allow them to continue to contribute to workplaces and society for many years to come LISTEN HERE
The interview with Helen Hirsh Spence begins about 9:30 min. into the program and lasts for approx. 10 minutes.
Ottawa founder of Top Sixty Over Sixty says,
turn to older adults to solve the labour shortage
CTV News at Noon Ottawa | Fri. Jan. 28, 2022
Leanne Cusack, CTV News at Noon Ottawa discusses the importance of welcoming older adults into the workforce with Helen Hirsh Spence. Helen wants employers to focus on experience and the benefits of having a multigenerational labour force. She doesn’t believe youth should be valued more than experience. She wants to see people of all ages working together, fuelling each other. Read a summary of the interview and watch the full interview HERE.
(Video – part 1, 4:43 min / part 2, 4:50 min)
Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real
Share Your Stories Online | Jan. 29, 2022
Author, Artist, and Founder/Host of ShareYourStoriesOnline, Trish Tonaj, spoke with Top Sixty Founder Helen Hirsh Spence about demographic shift that most people do not yet recognise. For instance 10, 000 people in the U.S. turn 65 every day and 25% of Canada’s population will be 65 or order by 2026. One of the fastest growing demographic today is the over 85 group. We are entering an era of non-retirement. Instead they are shifting focus. WATCH HERE
(Video – 17:10 min)
Hey Boomer!
“Life is not like a linear package…we need to spot opportunities…
take risks…and move outside our comfort zones”, Helen Hirsh Spence
January 17, 2022
Wendy Green, host of Hey Boomer, speaks with Top Sixty Founder, Helen Hirsh Spence, about our increased longevity, internalized ageism, and the realities of age bias.
WATCH HERE (Video, 45:00 min)
CTV Morning Live Ottawa
“Older people today are not like their grandparents”, says Helen Hirsh Spence
November 24, 2021
Top Sixty founder, Helen Hirsh Spence, talks with CTV’s Morning Life Ottawa host, Rosey Edeh, about one of Canada’s most overlooked resources, older adults. Helen explains that older people today are not the same as their grandparents’ they are well-educated, and well-equipped to address Canada’s current labour shortage.
WATCH HERE (Video, 3:30 min)
Image: ottawa.ctvnews.ca
The Brian Crombie Hour, Sauga 960 AM
Yes! Older adults CAN bring value to the workplace
November 24, 2021
Brian Crombie discusses ageism with Top Sixty Founder, Helen Hirsh Spence, and Valerie Fox, an expert in business accelerators and incubators. Tune into this insightful and in-depth dialogue; it’s worth listening to every minute!
WATCH HERE (Video, 46.10 min)
Image: sauga960am.ca
Toronto Star
Labour shortage? The answer is to bring older adults back into the workforce
By Helen Hirsh Spence, Nov. 7, 2021
Headlines about the “big quit” and the “great resignation” have dominated the news recently. Unquestionably, the labour shortage is real for both lower-skill jobs and knowledge workers.
Regrettably, employers continue to to overlook one of Canada’s growing and sustainable resources, its aging demographic. Businesses fail to take advantage of the fastest growing segment of the population — people over age 55 who are talented, capable and interested in work, yet who are ignored due to unconscious age bias.
Read more HERE
Photo: dreamstime_m_13742063
An Entrepreneurial Story
from ShareYourStories.online
Top Sixty founder, Helen Hirsh Spence’s entrepreneurial story was recently shared on ShareYourStories.online. Helen’s words of advice: It is never too late to start anew again. Life is not a nice, neat, linear package. Always look for the silver lining in every cloud.
Read the interview HERE.
Fighting Ageism
Good Times, Canada’s magazine for successful retirement
Negative stereotypes about older people— whether you believe them or they come from others—can cause real harm.
By Wendy Half
Read the article HERE.
Photo by Ravi Patel on Unsplash
Retirement Rebellion
George Jerjian interviews Helen HirshSpence
George Jerjian, mindset mentor, writer, and speaker, explores Helen Hirsh Spence’s views on retirement.
Read the interview HERE.
George Jerjian, Retirement Rebellion
Paving the Way for the Aging Population in the Workforce
Deborah (Deb) Crowe, host of Imperfect, interviews Helen HirshSpence
Deborah (Deb) Crowe, Executive & Business Coach and host of Imperfect The Heart-centered Leadership Podcast speaks with Top Sixty founder, Helen Hirsh Spence, about Ageism Leadership: Paving the Way for the Aging Population in the Workforce.
LISTEN HERE to Episode 63 of Deb Crowe’s podcast series.
Imperfect, The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast
CanAge Conversations: Champions for Change
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CanAge CEO, interviews Helen HirshSpence
LISTEN to this episode where Laura Tamblyn Watts talks with Helen Hirsh Spence about a variety of topics including the benefits of gratitude, and how viewing life optimistically can improve your life. Part of a CanAge series of fireside chats with influential and inspiring people who work tirelessly in the field of ageing.
Ottawa Citizen
Helen Hirsh Spence – COVID-19 Strains the Kid-Grandparent Connection
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Ottawa Citizen HERE
Platinum Pivot Interview w/Helen Hirsh Spence
Top Sixty Over Sixty Founder and CEO, Helen Hirsh Spence discusses ways to overcome self-directed ageism in this interview.
Ottawa Business Journal
Helen Hirsh Spence – How Ottawa employers can harness the power of talented – and often overlooked – labour pool
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Ottawa Business Journal HERE
Ottawa Citizen
Helen Hirsh Spence – Older adults could be our ticket to prosperity after the pandemic
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Ottawa Citizen HERE
Ottawa Citizen
Debra Yearwood – Just whose ‘diversity’ are we talking about?
Read Debra’s opinion piece in the Ottawa Citizen HERE
Toronto Star
Helen Hirsh Spence: All ‘seniors’ shouldn’t be lumped together
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Toronto Star HERE
Toronto Star
Helen Hirsh Spence: The (old) elephant in the room: value of older workers ignored
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Toronto Star HERE
On Inspiration: An Interview With Virginia Merritt
Inspiration can come everyday in numerous ways, it’s just a matter of looking.
On Inspiration: An Interview With Laurèl Craib Laurin
Inspiration can come everyday in numerous ways, its just a matter of looking. Following a Top Sixty Over Sixty event on inspiration at the Ottawa Gallery, Laurèl Craib Laurin shared her take aways and advice on staying inspired.
Emergenetics Wins Reader’s Choice Award in the HR Reporter
Top Sixty Over Sixty uses Emergenetics in its individual and team assessments and we are pleased to see it recognized in the HR Reporter.
You can read more about it HERE
Ottawa Citizen
Helen Hirsh Spence Let’s change our narrative around what it means to be a ‘senior’
Read Helen’s opinion piece in the Ottawa Citizen HERE
Connected Canadians
Helen talks about learning technical skills with Connected Canadians
If you are an older adult interested in learning new technical skills or refining the ones you have, you will want to learn more about Connected Canadians. Watch Helen’s review below.
Innovating Employment: Episode 10
Empowering older workers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, with Helen Hirsh Spence
Helen joins the program to discuss empowering older workers (over the age of 55) to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. Listen HERE
LiisBeth Dispatch (Digital)
Turning the Grey Tsunami into the Silver Economy
Helen Hirsh Spence (Top Sixty Over Sixty CEO and Founder) was interviewed by Lana Pesch, Associate Editor of LiisBeth on the challenges of ageism and the potential of older adults. Read more HERE
Ottawa Experts (English)
Top Sixty Over Sixty Founder and CEO, Helen Hirsh Spence and new jewellery artisan/entrepreneur, Vicki Jasperse were featured on Rogers TV show, Ottawa Experts. Helen and Vicki explored the changing nature of ageing, its implications for the future of work and answered questions from callers. To watch the interview, visit HERE
EntreNous (French)
Watch interview with Helen Hirsh Spence and host Catherine Marion as they discuss ageing today.
