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The Silent Struggle of Aging in the Workplace

Updated: Mar 5

by Marie, Your Advocate


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You spend decades building your career. You gain experience, refine your skills, and prove yourself over and over. And then, one day, you start to notice that something’s changed.

Your ideas don’t seem to carry the same weight in meetings. Younger colleagues are getting opportunities that once came your way. You feel overlooked, underestimated, and, if you’re really honest, maybe even replaceable.


And the worst part? It’s not about your talent. It’s about your age.


When Experience Becomes Invisible

I always thought that hard work and expertise would be enough. I believed that if I was good at my job if I had the experience and results to back it up, my value would always be recognized.


But in my late 40s and early 50s, I started seeing things differently.When promotions came up, the conversation subtly shifted to "fresh perspectives" and "new energy." Younger colleagues were being fast-tracked, while I felt like I had to prove myself all over again.


Was I imagining things? Was I being too sensitive?


Then I started talking to other women my age, and guess what? It wasn’t just me.


The Silent Discrimination No One Talks About

Here’s the reality:

  • Laws protect against workplace discrimination for pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

  • Age discrimination laws exist, but they’re often harder to enforce.

  • Yet, many women over 50 still find themselves sidelined, overlooked, or subtly pushed out, especially in big organizations.


It’s not explicit and rarely acknowledged, but it's there. And for many women, experience doesn’t always equal security.

 

They won’t say it outright. No one will walk into your office and tell you, “We’re making room for someone younger.” But you’ll feel it. In the opportunities that start slipping away. In the way, you have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition. In the unspoken assumption that you’re not as adaptable, as sharp, as ambitious as you once were.


And that’s what’s happening.

Now, don’t get me wrong. New policies, diversity initiatives, and legal protections against ageism in the workplace exist. But let’s be real; those things alone aren’t enough to protect you.


Fighting Back Starts With Taking Care of Yourself

If you’re a woman over 50, you owe it to yourself to stay ahead. And I don’t mean just in your career. I mean in how you feel, how you show up, and how you take care of yourself. Because let’s be real: you can’t perform at your best if you don’t feel your best.


I learned this the hard way.

There was a time when I felt exhausted all the time. My brain felt foggy, I wasn’t sleeping well, and I had this nagging feeling that I just wasn’t as sharp as I used to be. I started second-guessing myself in meetings. What happened to that confidence I’d always had? It felt like it was slipping away.

But here’s what I realized: it wasn’t me. It was my hormones. And once I started taking control of my health, everything changed.


So, if you’re feeling off, here are a few things that have made a world of difference for me:


Getting My Hormones in Check: I used to think brain fog and exhaustion were just part of aging. Nope. Once I started managing my hormones through the right foods, supplements, and strategies. Now, I make it a priority to get an annual checkup and bloodwork to monitor my thyroid and hormone levels, ensuring I stay balanced and in control of my health. I felt like myself again. And trust me, that changes everything.


Fixing My Sleep: I used to power through on five hours of sleep, thinking it was normal. It’s not. I now have a bedtime routine (yes, like a kid!) and use magnesium, deep breathing, and blue-light-blocking tricks. The difference? Night and day.


Moving My Body (Even When I Don’t Feel Like It): I’m not running marathons, but I do strength training and walk every day because the science is clear: movement keeps your brain sharp and your energy up.


Managing Stress: Yes, I know, stress is part of life. However, chronic stress wreaks havoc on hormones, metabolism, and brain function. Now, I prioritize breathwork and meditation to calm my nervous system and set boundaries (I don’t say yes to everything anymore!).

 

Fueling My Brain: I stopped skipping meals and started prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s. Because food isn’t just about your body; it’s about how your brain functions. I limit my alcohol intake to weekends only, and I always follow each drink with a glass of water.


Staying Curious & Always Learning: I refuse to let the world tell me I’m “past my prime.” I take courses, read up on trends, and make sure I’m just as relevant now as I was 10 years ago.


And here’s the real secret: How you FEEL affects how you SHOW UP.


If you’re tired, foggy, and doubting yourself, people will start to see you that way. But if you walk in with energy, confidence, and clarity, they’ll have no choice but to take you seriously.


You are NOT replaceable. But it’s up to you to make sure they see that, too.


And if they’re going to underestimate you? Let them. And then prove them wrong. Your value doesn’t expire: but society might need reminding. Age is not a weakness. Experience is not a liability.


With love and support,

Marie



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Who is Marie?

Marie, in her mid-50s, is a mother and the wife of Dr. Faruqi. She was a manager at a major financial institution before being diagnosed with breast cancer at 50. This life-changing experience motivated her and her husband to research extensively, ultimately transforming her health and life. Now feeling blessed and healthier than ever, Marie is on a mission to empower women, encourage important questions, and serve as the advocate they deserve.





Sources for Studies:


Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi and Marie Labelle, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.




Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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