The Double Bind: Women Over 60 Facing Ageism and Gender Bias
They told you to slow down. To fade into the background. To step aside. But you’re still here – and you’re just getting started.
For women 60+, it’s time to reclaim visibility, voice, and power.
One of my clients recently interviewed for a leadership position in a nonprofit. She was accomplished, met all of the requirements and interviewed well – so she thought. She did not get the position and walked away feeling “weird” about the discussion with the recruiter. Of course, there may be many reasons she wasn’t hired, but she felt there was an unspoken undercurrent.
As a Career Transition and Retirement Coach, and the Chair of Forty Plus of Greater Washington, it’s unfortunate that I come across this issue all too often. I’ve written about it before.
Although that conversation focused on the workplace and career, it sparked an interesting, broader discussion, something I’d like to share in this post.
The Double-Jeopardy Effect
Researchers call it “double jeopardy” – women in later life are judged simultaneously for being older and for being female.
- A man in his 60s is often described as “seasoned,” “experienced,” even “distinguished.”
- A woman in her 60s, doing the same work or living the same life, is more likely to be called “outdated” or overlooked.
This perception shapes careers, healthcare, finances, and social belonging.
Why It Matters
Ageism and gender bias have real consequences:
- Reduced earning opportunities and smaller retirement savings;
- Delayed diagnoses and worse health outcomes;
- Emotional toll, including loneliness and diminished confidence.
5 Action Steps to Begin Reclaiming Your Power
Own Your Voice
Speak up in meetings, social circles, and family discussions. Your decades of experience are your authority.
Advocate for Your Health
Insist on thorough medical evaluations, seek second opinions, and partner with providers who listen.
Expand Your Network
Join professional groups, mentorship circles, or community organizations to connect with like-minded peers.
Reinvent Your Career or Purpose
Launch a consulting business, pursue creative projects, or volunteer in leadership roles—experience is your competitive advantage.
Challenge Stereotypes Publicly
Share your story, mentor younger women, and celebrate your achievements to disrupt the narrative of invisibility.
Still Here. Still Strong. Still Shaping the World.
Age should never define capability. Gender should never diminish worth. Women over 60 are not “past their prime” – you are living proof that strength, creativity, and leadership don’t expire with birthdays.
The more society recognizes and values your contributions, the richer all our lives will be.
Your Thoughts:
Have you been in a situation of double jeopardy? How have you made your way through such situations?
Tags Empowerment
Why not start a business and employ older people? You will find some seniors preferring to go with businesses employing younger folks. You will find those of us who like talking to people with a lifetime of experiences who actually care to serve you.
I remember a young successful woman describing how she’d selected job applicants to interview. First she didn’t want to work with a man , Second ‘no’ to any woman older than herself as it’d be like working with her mum. There were other points my shocked mind didn’t retain. For interest, the very young woman who got the job had to be ‘let go’ for inappropriate behaviour some time later
Keep smiling and keep your chin up. Know your worth. If anyone sarcastically says “okay, Boomer” just reply “Why thank you, I’m sooo glad that you agree with me!” Say it with a wink, because we know they’re being condescending, but it’s sweet revenge to completely ignore someone’s bad attitude. And the ones who treat us with disrespect now are going to be reaping what they sow tenfold when they’re our age.
This is nothing new. I worked in London for 20 years and went back to college in my early 30s after working in the City for 10 years. I graduated at 35 and it became apparent employment agencies saw me as over the hill. My CV was added to the pile of “mum returners”, that is women who’d taken time out to have kids. When I asserted I’d had 3 years out to read for a degree they just shrugged.
I ended up giving up on the agency route and applying for every job requiring a degree I was capable of doing. After a year of temporary basic office jobs I was eventually successful and worked in the Arts for a number of years before running a company with my husband.
London was notorious in the 80s and 90s for writing women off at age 30, so you’d have had no chance approaching 60!
New vocabulary, very old problem.