Older mothers just as able

counter

(v)

to react to something with an opposing opinion or action; to defend yourself against something:

phản đối

The Prime Minister countered the opposition's claims about health service cuts by saying that the government had increased spending in this area.
When criticisms were made of the school's performance, the parents' group countered with details of its examination results.
Extra police have been moved into the area to counter the risk of violence.