Ageism is not just about discrimination against older people—it’s a bias that can affect anyone, at any age. It manifests in how we think about ourselves, interact with others, and shape our communities, businesses, and families. By becoming aware of ageist attitudes and behaviors, we can begin to make changes that will more fully value all people and help us all grow as we age into more confident, participating, valued members of society. Ageism at any age and in any form is something we need to be aware of and eliminate.
Understanding Ageism
Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on a person’s age. It can be directed toward both the young and the elderly, leading to assumptions about abilities, intelligence, skills, and worth. All simply because of someone’s age. These biases can be subtle or overt. They can affect how we think, speak, and behave in relation to people of different ages.
While we might thing of ageism in relation to older adults, younger people also face age-based stereotypes and discrimination. In a 2019 survey, younger employees were actually more likely than older ones to report witnessing or experiencing ageism in the workplace.
Ageism in the workplace can range from direct disrespect from a coworker to systemic inequalities that may or may not be so evident. For example, a company that requires retirement at a specific age regardless of the abilities, position, or values of each individual employee has embedded ageism into their organization. While a workplace that overlooks the input or contributions of younger employees also has a culture of ageism.
Some industries have practices and rules that create institutional ageism, but for their clients, not necessarily their employees. For example, in the medical field both older adults and younger children are underrepresented in both research and clinical trials. At both ends of the age spectrum groups can be excluded, and, in the case of children and medications, off-label drug use occurs regularly. It is when pediatricians guess or estimate the dosage of a medication meant for adults when prescribing to children.
Roots of Ageist Thinking
The fact is, we don’t age into the experience of ageism. Children as young as 4 are aware of age stereotypes. These beliefs are perpetuated by society in several ways:
- Self-Perception: We internalize messages like “I’m too old for this” or “I’m just a kid; what do I know?”. All these limiting beliefs hold us back. As a result, we become our own worst critics, placing arbitrary limits on what we think we can achieve based on age.
- Family Dynamics: Families can inadvertently reinforce ageist ideas. For example, younger family members might be seen as too immature to make important decisions. Meanwhile, older family members might be treated as unable to make decisions merely based on their age. In addition to harming the individuals in terms of their independence and ability to accept responsibility for their thoughts and actions, these attitudes can create division and hinder genuine connections across generations.
- Workplace Culture: Businesses frequently make age-based assumptions when hiring, promoting, or delegating tasks. Younger employees may be overlooked for leadership roles due to a lack of “experience,” while older workers might be stereotyped as resistant to change or less capable of adapting to new technologies.
- Community and Social Norms: Communities often design programs, activities, and spaces with specific age groups in mind, unintentionally excluding and unnecessarily separating and isolating the different age groups.
Break the Cycle
Addressing ageism starts with recognizing our own biases and then making conscious efforts to create inclusive environments that value contributions from all ages. Here are ways to initiate change:
- Challenge Your Own Thoughts: Start by questioning your own assumptions about age. If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m too old to try this,” or “They’re too young to understand,” ask yourself why you believe that. Replace these limiting beliefs with more empowering statements like “I’m never too old to learn,” or “Everyone brings unique insights, regardless of age.”
- Speak Up Against Stereotypes: When you hear ageist comments or jokes, challenge them. Encourage conversations about how these biases affect people of all ages. By addressing stereotypes directly, you set an example and help shift the narrative to one that values everyone’s potential.
- Create Intergenerational Opportunities: Whether in your family, workplace, or community, look for ways to bridge generational gaps. Encourage mentorship programs that allow older and younger individuals to learn from each other. Create activities that foster connections across age groups, promoting understanding and collaboration.
- Adopt Age-Inclusive Policies: In the workplace, focus on skills and potential rather than age when making hiring and promotion decisions. Ensure that training and development opportunities are open to all employees, regardless of age, and value the diverse perspectives that different generations bring.
- Promote Lifelong Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous growth and development for everyone. Whether it’s learning a new skill, trying a different hobby, or adopting a new technology, embracing lifelong learning helps break down the notion that growth and change are limited by age.
Breaking Down Barriers
Changing our approach to ageism can bring wide-ranging benefits for individuals and society as a whole. Doing so will empower individuals, enrich families and communities, and increase workplace creativity and productivity,
Additionally, reducing ageism can also help combat other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, racism, and ableism. When we learn to value people for their unique qualities rather than categorizing them based on superficial traits, we make progress toward a more inclusive society overall.
The Journey
The journey to overcome ageism begins with a commitment to seeing people as individuals, not stereotypes. It requires us to be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, and to be willing to challenge societal norms. By creating age-inclusive environments in our businesses, families, and communities, we open the door to a richer, more connected world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive at any age.
Let’s start asking, “What can this person bring to the table?” rather than, “How old are they?” Shifting the focus from age to ability and potential benefits us all, creating a culture that celebrates diversity, fosters growth, and values every stage of life.
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