When you hear the word “ageism,” you might think of stereotypes or jokes about older adults, but it’s much more than that. Ageism is a form of discrimination that affects how we think, feel, and act toward people based on their age, often directed at older adults. While we’ve made progress in recognizing and addressing ageism, we still have a long way to go to ensure that older adults are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they deserve.
Shifting Perspectives on Aging
For a long time, the media portrayed older adults as frail, fearful, and out-of-touch. Think about the stereotypes of “grumpy old men” or the tech-illiterate “grandma.” Thankfully, this is changing. In fact, a recent AARP study found a shift in how adults over 50 are portrayed online. Now, older adults are more likely to be shown as active, independent, and tech-savvy. For example, in 2023, one-third of media images depicted older adults using technology—compared to just four percent in 2018! And 80% of these images showed older adults in fashionable clothing, challenging the outdated view that style fades with age.
These shifts aren’t just about changing how we see older people in media; they’re about reframing aging as a time of vitality and continued contribution to society.
How Ageism Affects Health and Well-Being
Ageism isn’t just a cultural problem—it has real-world consequences. Being subjected to negative stereotypes can harm older adults’ physical and mental health. Research by E. Solway shows that discriminatory events and everyday negative experiences, from offhand comments to being ignored, are linked to poor health outcomes in adults aged 50 to 80 (Solway, 2020). When older adults are constantly exposed to these stereotypes, it can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.
Moreover, how we view aging can shape our experiences. A study by S. Barber and Shyuan Ching Tan found that when older adults internalize negative aging stereotypes, they perceive fewer opportunities for themselves in the future. Imagine being at a point in your life where, instead of feeling hopeful and excited about new adventures, you feel boxed in by society’s expectations of decline and limitation.
Ageism in the Workplace: A Missed Opportunity
Unfortunately, one of the areas where ageism is most persistent is in the workplace. Despite older adults making up over a third of the workforce, their presence is not often reflected in media and hiring practices. AARP’s 2023 survey revealed that over 40% of workers aged 40 and above have experienced age discrimination in the workplace. And if you lose your job after age 55, the reality is harsh—many older workers are out of work for three times longer than their younger counterparts, primarily due to age-related biases.
This discrimination doesn’t just impact individual careers; it can lead to a domino effect of financial hardship and loss of resources. As Paul Downey, CEO of Serving Seniors, points out, the loss of a job often means the loss of health insurance, resulting in financial distress that can ultimately lead to homelessness. In San Diego, 30% of homeless adults are over age 55, underscoring how age discrimination in employment has far-reaching social impacts.
Ageism: A Cross-Generational Issue
It’s easy to assume that ageism only affects older adults, but it impacts everyone. Young people may hold ageist attitudes because of a lack of knowledge about aging and anxiety about growing older. A study by Cassandra Cooney, J. Minahan, and Karen L. Siedlecki shows that when younger adults have limited knowledge about aging and high anxiety about becoming old themselves, they are more likely to harbor ageist attitudes.
To combat this, we need to broaden our understanding of aging. Age is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some older adults may be grandparents, while others might still be in the workforce or exploring new hobbies and interests. The more we educate people about the diverse experiences of aging, the more we can break down these stereotypes.
What Can We Do About Ageism?
So how can we make things better? A global effort is needed. A call to action from the World Health Organization emphasizes that combating ageism requires changing how we view and treat older people in policy, healthcare, and our communities. We can start by:
- Changing our language and behaviors. Avoiding jokes, comments, and stereotypes about aging helps to create a more inclusive environment.
- Advocating for inclusive policies. Ensuring older adults have access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support is essential for fostering well-being and independence.
- Encouraging intergenerational connections. When younger and older people interact, it helps break down stereotypes and builds mutual understanding.
Ageism is an issue that touches us all, no matter what stage of life we’re in. By working together to challenge stereotypes and embrace the diverse experiences of aging, we not only make life better for today’s older adults but also for all of us as we move through life’s different chapters.
In short, everyone has a role in addressing ageism—whether it’s how we talk about aging, how we represent older people in media, or how we treat each other in the workplace. After all, we’re all aging, and by fostering a society that values and respects older adults, we’re ensuring a better future for everyone.
Sources:
- Barber, S., and Shyuan Ching Tan. “Ageism Affects the Future Time Perspective of Older Adults.” Journal of Psychology, 2018. https://dx.doi.org/10.1024/1662-9647/a000189.
- Solway, E. “Policy Series: The Impact of Ageism on Health and Efforts to Address It Through Reframing Aging.” Innovation in Aging, 2020. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2556.
- Cooney, Cassandra, J. Minahan, and Karen L. Siedlecki. “Do Feelings and Knowledge About Aging Predict Ageism?” Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2018. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0733464819897526.
- Officer, A., et al. “Valuing Older People: Time for a Global Campaign to Combat Ageism.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.16.184960.
- AARP Study on Age Representation (2023). Available through AARP Research Publications: https://www.aarp.org/research/.
