Overcoming Ageism in Everyday Life

Julia Child was 51 when she started filming her show for PBS; if you watch any cooking show today, you can credit her for that. Judi Dench received her first Oscar nomination at age 63 and won one at age 64; her popularity and fame then took off. Frank McCourt only began writing at the age 65; his book “Angela’s Ashes” won the Pulitzer Prize when he was 67. Similarly, Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first novel at 65; her “Little House” books have sold over 60 million copies and inspired the Emmy-winning television show. Peter Mark Roget left his medical practice at age 73 for his passion, words. He created the first thesaurus, and his name remains on the widely used version today. And Grandma Moses began painting at 78; her work regularly sells for over one million dollars.

Great accomplishments can occur later in life, but too often ageism gets in the way. Ageism is discrimination. Like racism or sexism, ageism relies on negative stereotypes and expected behaviors. Although ageism can refer to prejudice based on any age (children, teenagers), it most often impacts seniors. This bias can take many forms, from assumptions about older adults’ abilities to exclusion from social activities and opportunities.

Ageism does more than just hurt feelings. For individuals, age discrimination can actually reduce their lifespans. For example, healthcare options such as life-sustaining treatments may be withheld. Or older adults are put at increased risk when public health campaigns, like sexually transmitted disease awareness, ignore this population. Ageism also takes a toll on a person’s mental wellbeing. The World Health Organizations estimates 6 million cases of depression worldwide are caused by ageism. Financially, ageism leads to costlier insurance, less earning potential, and more targeting by frauds.

Ageism also hurts society. Businesses with more people over age 50 tend to have higher productivity and innovation, but 78% of senior job seekers have reported discrimination. AARP estimated $850 billion in unrealized gains in gross domestic product for 2020 because of involuntary retirement, underemployment, and unemployment among older workers. Ageism may also lead to higher costs in government health and housing spending, since it is associated with poorer physical and mental health. And, ageism can reinforce social divisions and inequalities, with younger generations losing hard-fought knowledge and wisdom.

So, what can we do to combat everyday ageism? Overcoming ageism requires intentional actions and a commitment to fostering respect and inclusion for all ages. Here are some effective strategies.

Know and call out ageism. To change perceptions and break down stereotypes, it’s important to recognize and call out ageism. Challenge terminology like “set in their ways” or “fresh faces.” Counter the assumption that seniors can’t learn technology. Promote the contributions of older adults. Debunk myths about aging in general.

Promote connections. Intergenerational activities encourage understanding and mutual respect between different age groups. Find ways to break down barriers and build empathy. Create opportunities for older adults to mentor and skill-share with younger people. Find community joy together.

Advocate for inclusion. Policy changes can address structural ageism and promote equal opportunities for all ages. Include seniors in decision-making processes. Support age-inclusive workplace practices, such as flexible working hours. Lobby for age-friendly community planning, such as accessible public spaces and events. Demand diverse and empowering portrayals on the stage and screen.

Support seniors. Active engagement in social, physical, and intellectual activities helps older adults maintain their health and well-being. Showcase seniors’ ongoing contributions to society. Encourage older adults’ participation in clubs, volunteering, and community events. Look to AARP and other similar organizations for resources and programs to help.

Ageism is a significant issue, but it’s one that we can combat through education, advocacy, and action. Change begins with each of us. Because, ultimately, as the saying goes, “Ageism is prejudice against our future selves.”