What is Ageism? Strategies to Combat Age Discrimination

Ageism involves stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against people based on their age. Ageism can be directed at older people and young individuals alike. However, since we usually glorify youth, so older people are more often the victims of ageism.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), age is used to categorize and divide individuals in ways that lead to harm, injustice, and disadvantage. ⁽¹⁾ The first-ever UN Global Report on Ageism stated that half of the global population is ageist against elderly individuals. ⁽²⁾

Children and most adults pick up on the idea that aging is a weak or disabled phase in life and older individuals are incapable of taking care of themselves. These messages are shown in the media that we consume every day. Apart from this, ageist messaging is also passed along through casual comments and jokes from friends and family members.

However, we must make everyone aware that aging is natural and there should not be any age-related discrimination. Creating a more open-minded society will help older adults live with pride and without any discrimination.

Some signs of ageism include:

Exclusion: You might be left out of group activities or group photos.

Harassment: This is the most obvious sign of ageism. Older adults might be harassed at various places, including their workplace or even in any social gathering.

Hiring Bias: Mostly, companies hire and promote younger employees. This is a hiring bias that can be an obvious sign of ageism.

Infantilization: Others might care for you when you age. However, when others infantilize you or treat you as a child, you might feel frustrated and humiliated. This is another sign of ageism.

Ageism can come in several forms. Let us some of the most common types of ageism.

This type of ageism takes place between individuals in person. For instance, your supervisor refuses to provide you with newer assignments because of your age, or maybe a family member refuses to include you in a picture, saying, “ Please do not be in the frame, we youngsters are taking the picture together.”

Self-directed ageism is when older adults internalize a negative attitude toward aging or their age group. They start believing that now they are of no use and have turned into a burden to everyone. Sometimes when they forget a name or lose their hold or grip on anything, they start blaming it on their age.

Institutional ageism is when rules, practices, and social norms are unfair to older adults. One example of institutional ageism could be a workplace insisting workers retire at a specific age. Another example could be that in the medical field, older adults are usually underrepresented in clinical trials and health research.

Ageism is prevalent in the workplace, and when it is present in your workplace, it can affect your mental and physical health and also impact your financial security.

A survey conducted in 2020 mentions that 78% of older workers experienced or witnessed age discrimination while at work. ⁽³⁾

Ageism in the workplace can include anything from inappropriate comments to denying applicants because of their older age. Ageism in the workplace is driven by unwanted stereotypes about older employees being stubborn, slow, and inexperienced with technology.

Whatever it may be, you should remember that even if you age, you are not powerless and you can take steps to fight against the negative effects of age-related discrimination.

It has been observed that there has been an increase in negative attitudes toward older people over the years. ^{(4, 5)}

Some effects of ageism include:

• Ageism is linked to earlier death rates. Older individuals who experience self-directed ageism and perceive themselves as useless have shorter lifespans than those with positive attitudes toward themselves.
• Self-directed ageism also results in poorer health outcomes, such as chronic conditions and short-term health problems.
• Ageism also reduces the chances of quick recovery from physical ailments.
• Ageism within the medical field itself results in the worst outcomes for elderly individuals. Research shows that healthcare providers are more likely to withhold access to life-sustaining treatments from older patients than younger ones. ⁽⁶⁾

Ageism can negatively impact the psychological well-being of older people, thus resulting in a deterioration of their mental health and improving the risk of several mental health problems like anxiety and depression. ⁽⁷⁾

Ageist comments from family members or close friends can make you feel a sense of worthlessness. Discrimination based on age from coworkers at work can also make you feel useless to society. So, there is no doubt that ageism can lead to a decline in mental health. 

Ageism triggers or worsens depression. It is estimated that 6.3 million cases of depression worldwide are estimated to be attributable to ageism. ⁽⁸⁾

Ageism can also impact an individual’s social well-being. It leads to social isolation and loneliness. Many times older adults withdraw from various social events or family functions feeling they might be rejected by others.

Loneliness can also generate other additional problems like reduced sleep quality, impaired immune system, higher stress levels, increased risk of physical illnesses, exacerbated mental illness, and increased cognitive decline.

Below are some ways to combat ageism.

• Be aware of ageism and recognize when others make judgments about an older adult because of their age.
• Avoid ageist terms such as “old person” or “old man”, instead use “older person’ or “older adults”.
• Share positive statements and real-life stories about inspirational older individuals.
• Spend time with older adults and listen to their stories. This will help them feel valued and loved.

• If you are an older person, join various clubs like book clubs, and knowledge workshops, and embrace community gatherings.
• Contact local media to challenge ageism in various forms of media coverage.
• Be patient and remember that ageism is not just a problem in interpersonal relationships. It is a larger issue that involves institutions and society. Recognize your limitations, but do not lose your hope or feel discouraged.
• Find support and meet in person or chat in private groups online.
• Look for a mentor who can provide you life advice and help you enhance some useful skills.
• Know various ways to manage your stress level and keep yourself confident by building self-esteem.

Ageism includes stereotypes and discrimination against people based on their age. Ageism can be interpersonal ageism, institutional ageism, or self-directed ageism. Ageism has various negative impacts on physical, mental, and social well-being. Being a known person, one should always understand that older adults have the right to live with respect and should fight against ageism.

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