Today marks a special milestone for Vice President Kamala Harris as she celebrates her 60th birthday. What’s exciting is that her most successful years in politics may still be ahead of her.
When compared to the average age of American presidents, 60 seems rather young. After all, President Joe Biden is currently 81 years old, and Donald Trump, Harris’ political adversary, is 78.
Both have faced considerable criticism, especially Trump, whose cognitive abilities have become a growing concern in the public eye as the election looms.
In contrast, Harris stands out with her noticeable vitality and energy compared to her older counterparts, all while embodying the wisdom and confidence that come with experience.
As she celebrates her birthday this Sunday, she continues to challenge outdated perceptions of what being 60 should look and feel like.
Women over 50 often encounter prejudices related to their age, particularly in professional settings. A 2022 AARP study found that ageism is the most common type of discrimination faced by women aged 50 and up.
This bias is even more pronounced for women of color, with Black women over 50 reporting the highest levels of age-related discrimination — a staggering 70% saying they experience it regularly, according to the same study.
It’s an unfortunate truth that men rarely encounter this form of bias as frequently. This presents yet another obstacle that many women must overcome as they juggle careers, motherhood, and caregiving responsibilities.
Although older women play a critical role in the workforce, a recent report by the Center for American Progress highlights that they still face many challenges as they grow older.
Women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond deserve to be appreciated and recognized for their contributions. Initiatives like the “50 Over 50” list serve as a powerful reminder that impact and success have no expiration date.
Women are not limited to achieving success before menopause, just as men aren’t expected to peak at a certain age.
“I have so many women role models who are 60 and over: Hillary Clinton, Claire McCaskill, Jill Biden, my mom. Emilie Benes Brzezinski was a sculptor who pursued her art with a chainsaw in hand until she was in her 90s,” one commentator shared.
In essence, aging is no longer seen as an obstacle but rather an advantage.
So, happy birthday, Madam Vice President. You’ve earned it.
