While we do not hear about ageism, it is alive and well in our culture. Ageism is the prejudice that is based on an individual’s age. It might focus on Gen Y young people, or it may be on seniors. Either situation makes us less open to others and their beliefs. We may be experiencing ageism in our own lives and not be aware of it.
This blog is concerning the ageism that the senior population encounters. Seniors are demographically an important and growing group of individuals in our society. One major way we face ageism is in employment. If you are over 50, the options are limited if you lose your job or look for another one. But, outside employment, how does ageism affect the senior’s life, integrity, and worth?
1. Calling seniors cute. Seniors have years of life experience and have made a significant impact on the world as we know it. They are not cute. This infantilizes them and makes them less intact.
2. Deferring action because of age. If there was a loud party in the hotel and you realized it was seniors rather than young people, how would you react? Would you be less likely to intervene if everyone in the room had walkers and wrinkles?
3. Disregarding a senior’s autonomy and independence. Often in healthcare, the providers speak over the senior to others in the room or situation. Because a younger adult is available, does not mean that the senior is not able to make informed decisions for themselves. Talking across and down to individuals is demeaning and disrespectful.
4. Ageism stereotyping is destructive. Stereotyping is usually seen as negative. There is certainly positive stereotyping, but with ageism and aging, it is most likely negative. Ageism is harder to reframe and when learned as a child, stays with the senior even into their own older age.
5. Ageism is insidious. We often miss the undertones of ageism in our day to day conversations. Those with dementia are called childish. Younger individuals would not tolerate the behavior of the dirty old man. Senior moments are commonly noted as a part of aging. These are all subliminal ageism and not considered prejudicial.
Even in cultures where seniors are honored, there are ageism prejudices. Some cultures define the parameters by age, other cultures by job or productivity in society and others by family position. Regardless of the source and kind of ageism, it has an adverse impact on the prejudged class. It is intimidating, dehumanizing and undermines self-worth and well being. If you feel as though you are being discriminated against due to your age, contact me and let's sit down and discuss it.