Fact: As of 2020, Baby Boomers made up approximately 21% of Washington state’s population.
In a world that celebrates diversity, one form of discrimination often slips under the radar: ageism. Whether it’s the older worker passed over for a promotion or the young professional dismissed as inexperienced, ageism affects millions of people every day. But what exactly is ageism, how can we spot it, and — most importantly — how can we combat it? Let’s dive in.
Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. It can target both ends of the age spectrum:
Older adults are often labeled as “out of touch,” “slow,” or “resistant to change.”
This bias isn’t just hurtful. It’s costly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ageism can lead to poorer mental and physical health, increased social isolation, and even shorter lifespans for older adults. For younger people, it can limit career opportunities and perpetuate unfair stereotypes.
Ageism can be blatant or subtle, but it’s everywhere if you know where to look. Here are some common signs.
• In the workplace you may see job postings that use coded language like “digital native” or “recent graduate” to exclude older applicants.
• Older employees are being overlooked for promotions or training opportunities.
• In healthcare, doctors dismissing symptoms as “just part of aging” without proper investigation.
• In media and advertising, older adults are portrayed as frail or dependent
• A lack of representation for middle-aged and older individuals in ads, movies, and TV shows.
• In everyday life, backhanded compliments like, “You look great for your age!”
• Being ignored or talked down to because of your age.
The impact of ageism is it doesn’t just hurt feelings. It has real-world consequences. For older adults, it can lead to unemployment, social isolation, and even poorer health outcomes.
“Ageism is one of the most socially normalized forms of prejudice,” says Dr. Jane Smith, a gerontologist and ageism researcher. “It’s so ingrained in our culture that many people don’t even realize they’re perpetuating it.”
The good news? Ageism isn’t inevitable. Here are some practical steps to fight back:
1. Educate yourself and others about ageism and its impacts on various aspects of life. Challenge stereotypes when you encounter them, whether it’s in conversation, media, or workplace policies.
2. If you observe ageist behavior, address it in a respectful and firm manner. Share your own experiences with ageism to raise awareness and spark conversations.
3. Promote intergenerational connections, encourage collaboration between people of different ages in the workplace, community, and at home. Celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives that each generation brings.
4. Advocate for change, Support policies that protect against age discrimination, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Push for inclusive hiring practices and equal opportunities for people of all ages.
5. Lead by example, treat people of all ages with respect and dignity. Amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized because of their age.
Ageism is a societal issue, but it’s one we can tackle together. By recognizing and challenging age-based biases, we can create a world where people are valued for their abilities, not dismissed because of their age.
As Dr. Smith puts it, “Age is just a number — it doesn’t define someone’s worth, potential, or contributions. Let’s start treating it that way.”
So, the next time you hear a snide comment about someone being “too old” take a stand. Because breaking the age barrier isn’t just about fairness. It’s about building a better, more inclusive world for everyone.
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Share your thoughts or comments to Tammy Dziak, CEO of Affinity Senior Transitions, at affinitytarnsitios@hotmail.com or 206-499-3224.
