Ageism: how age discrimination can be fought in society and the workplace – but older people have to stop believing the stereotypes first
- Ageism should be treated as seriously as other ‘isms’ such as racism and sexism, experts say – it’s not just a social injustice but a threat to the economy
- Seniors should be aware of self-directed ageism – that is, stop believing the negative stereotypes of growing old with which they are bombarded
Ageism is something that’s likely to affect everybody as they grow older and it should be treated as seriously as other “isms”, such as racism and sexism. That was the main takeaway from a recent “Solutions to Combat Ageism” webinar, organised in New York by the Global Coalition on Ageing, which aims to educate and drive change to improve older people’s health, productivity and social engagement.
Panellists noted that governments, local authorities – and seniors themselves – must take steps to change public attitudes and stop this form of discrimination.
Older people can help to effect a cultural change, speakers said. Self-directed ageism, in which older people believe the stereotypes of growing old that they are bombarded with and thus develop a negative perception of ageing themselves, is part of the problem.
In the economic sector, older people are a much underused resource and are often forced to retire before they are ready to do so, the audience heard. Eradicating ageism will keep talent and knowledge in the system and bolster economies.
An idea propounded during the conference was that older people should organise and make their voices heard.