Early roots of ageism: The preschool years
Research indicates that ageism takes root in the preschool years, far earlier than commonly believed. Studies have shown that children as young as three to five years old begin to form ambivalent views of older people, often perceiving them through the "doddering but dear" stereotype. While they may see older adults as kind and warm, they also associate them with negative physical and competence-related traits.
- Age three: Initial, often negative, impressions of older adults begin to surface.
- Age four: Children become aware of and start to internalize cultural age stereotypes.
- Age six: Discrimination based on age is highly accurate, with children often associating older adults with being sad, lonely, and less busy.
These early stereotypes are not harmless and can have lasting effects, potentially influencing health, longevity, and overall well-being later in life. The development of ageist attitudes during this crucial stage is shaped by several factors, including parental attitudes, media representations, and the quality and frequency of contact with older adults.
The role of external influences
How children learn ageism
Children don't develop ageist ideas in a vacuum. Their environment plays a critical role in shaping their perceptions of aging. They learn by observing the world around them, absorbing both explicit and implicit messages. Several sources contribute to this learning process:
- Family: While a strong, positive relationship with grandparents can significantly temper negative age stereotypes, the influence of other family members, and the wider culture they represent, can also inspire ageist biases.
- Media: Children's books, television, and films often portray older people negatively or stereotypically, reinforcing the idea that they are forgetful, grumpy, or frail.
- Limited Contact: Many children have limited contact with older adults outside of their own grandparents, which can lead to overgeneralizations and reliance on stereotypes instead of personal experience.
- Societal Norms: In many cultures, youth is glorified, while aging is presented as an undesirable process, leading children to fear or devalue old age.
Workplace ageism: A continuation of early bias
While ageism starts early, it persists and takes new forms throughout life, notably in the workplace. Research confirms that age discrimination doesn't just affect older workers but can begin much earlier in a person's career.
| Aspect | Younger Workers (e.g., under 40) | Older Workers (e.g., over 40) |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Discrimination | May face "reverse ageism," where they are underpaid or dismissed as inexperienced. | Face significant discrimination, with one study showing age 35 as a potential starting point for decreased callbacks. |
| Stereotypes | Viewed as entitled, inexperienced, or lacking commitment. | Often perceived as technologically inept, resistant to change, or having lower productivity. |
| Career Impact | Can be underestimated and overlooked for more serious assignments. | May be passed over for promotions, isolated from key projects, or encouraged to retire early. |
| Legal Protection | Generally not covered by major age discrimination laws, such as the ADEA in the U.S.. | Protected by laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) in the U.S., but discrimination persists. |
Workplace ageism is often driven by inaccurate stereotypes about both older and younger employees, revealing that age bias is a pervasive and complex issue affecting multiple generations.
Combating ageism: Strategies for change
Addressing ageism requires a multi-pronged approach, starting in childhood and continuing throughout adulthood. Key strategies include:
- Educational Activities: Implementing programs in schools to provide accurate information about aging and counter-stereotypical examples of older adults can help reduce prejudice.
- Intergenerational Interventions: Creating opportunities for meaningful contact between different age groups, such as children and older adults, can foster empathy and understanding. A study found that preschoolers with close relationships with their grandparents held more positive views of older people in general.
- Policy and Law: Enacting and enforcing anti-discrimination policies in employment and other areas can protect against age-based prejudice.
- Media Literacy: Promoting media literacy in children can help them critically evaluate age-related stereotypes in the shows and books they consume.
- Challenging Stereotypes: Encouraging open discussions about ageism and modeling respect for people of all ages can counter bias passed down through casual comments or jokes.
Conclusion
Ageism is not a prejudice that begins in adulthood but starts remarkably early in childhood. Research indicates that children begin internalizing age-related stereotypes around age four, often influenced by media and limited intergenerational contact. This early bias can contribute to lifelong prejudice, which manifests significantly in contexts like the workplace, where both younger and older workers face age-related discrimination. By understanding at what age ageism starts, parents, educators, and society as a whole can implement targeted interventions and foster more age-inclusive attitudes from an early age. Building bridges between generations and challenging stereotypes in media are crucial steps toward creating a more equitable society that values individuals at every stage of life. For more information, the World Health Organization offers resources on understanding and combating ageism.
