Defining the subtle bias
Everyday ageism, sometimes referred to as age-based microaggressions, is distinct from overt discrimination because it operates on a more constant, lower-grade level. It is the steady drip of negative, devaluing messages, rather than a single, overt act of discrimination. These seemingly small moments communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages that chip away at an older person's sense of self-worth and belonging. The pervasiveness of these biases is often what makes them so harmful, as they accumulate over time and reinforce negative stereotypes.
The three main categories of everyday ageism
Researchers from the National Poll on Healthy Aging identified three key types of everyday ageism experienced by adults aged 50 to 80:
- Exposure to ageist messages: This includes regularly seeing, hearing, or reading things in the media that reinforce negative stereotypes about aging. Examples range from birthday cards mocking old age to news headlines pitting generations against each other. Anti-aging commercials that equate youth with desirability and age with unattractiveness also fall into this category.
- Ageism in interpersonal interactions: These are daily interactions where people's assumptions are based on a person's age. It can be a server addressing a meal order to a younger companion, a doctor speaking to a patient's child instead of the patient directly, or people assuming an older adult needs help with a task they can do themselves. It also includes patronizing behaviors like using a condescending tone or "elderspeak" (talking to an older adult in a way one would speak to a child).
- Internalized ageism: This is when individuals unknowingly adopt and believe the negative stereotypes about their own age group. For instance, a person might say they are having a "senior moment" when they forget something, reinforcing the belief that cognitive decline is an inevitable part of aging, rather than acknowledging that people of all ages are forgetful. This can be particularly damaging to mental health as it can reduce self-esteem and discourage people from seeking help for treatable health issues.
The significant impact on physical and mental health
While a single ageist remark may seem harmless, the cumulative effect of constant exposure to everyday ageism has a measurable, negative impact on health and well-being. Research has consistently linked higher levels of everyday ageism with a range of poorer health outcomes.
- Poorer Physical Health: Studies have shown that older adults who report higher levels of everyday ageism are more likely to have poor self-rated physical health and a higher number of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Chronic exposure to bias can act as a form of chronic stress, which has physical manifestations.
- Negative Mental Health: The connection between everyday ageism and mental health is also strong. Those who experience more forms of ageism are more likely to report poor mental health and experience depressive symptoms. Internalized ageism, in particular, was found to be the most strongly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms.
- Health-Seeking Behaviors: Everyday ageism can impact health care. Older adults who hold negative age beliefs might be less likely to seek medical treatment or adhere to a doctor's recommendations, believing that symptoms like loneliness or depression are just a "normal" part of aging.
How to recognize and challenge everyday ageism
Combating everyday ageism begins with recognition. Everyone, regardless of age, can be complicit in perpetuating these subtle biases. The first step is to become aware of our own biases and assumptions.
For Individuals:
- Challenge Your Own Biases: Reflect on personal assumptions about older and younger people. Ask yourself if your thoughts about someone's capabilities are based on reality or stereotypes.
- Reframe Conversations: When you hear an ageist remark, respond constructively. Instead of ignoring it, politely challenge it by asking, "Can you help me understand what you mean by that?" This approach encourages dialogue without being overly aggressive.
- Speak Up for Yourself: As an older adult, gently but firmly correct ageist assumptions. For example, if someone insists on helping you with something you can manage, you can say, "I appreciate the offer, but I've got this".
- Avoid Self-Deprecating Language: Stop using phrases that reinforce negative stereotypes, such as "I'm too old for this" or "it must be a senior moment".
In the Media:
- Demand Better Representation: Support media and marketing campaigns that portray older adults realistically and positively. Look for shows and advertisements that feature diverse, multi-dimensional older characters.
- Challenge Harmful Portrayals: Speak out against ads or media representations that perpetuate negative age stereotypes. AARP offers resources for reporting age discrimination in advertising.
In the Workplace:
- Promote Intergenerational Teams: Encourage mentorship programs and teams that bring together people of different ages. This fosters understanding and allows for the exchange of diverse knowledge and perspectives.
- Advocate for Age-Inclusive Policies: Support initiatives that combat age discrimination in hiring, promotions, and training opportunities.
Everyday ageism vs. institutional ageism
It's important to distinguish between everyday ageism and its more systemic counterpart, institutional ageism. While everyday ageism consists of the interpersonal slights and unconscious biases, institutional ageism is embedded in the very rules, policies, and practices of an organization or society. The two are connected, with everyday biases often informing larger, institutional systems.
| Aspect | Everyday Ageism | Institutional Ageism |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Bias | Subtle, often unintentional biases. | Explicit, codified practices. |
| Expression | Brief verbal or nonverbal indignities. | Missions, rules, and policies. |
| Origin | Socially ingrained stereotypes and messages. | Organizational or systemic bias. |
| Examples | Assuming an older person is bad with technology. | Mandatory retirement ages or biased hiring practices. |
| Impact | Can lead to chronic stress and internalised beliefs. | Can result in limited opportunities and systemic disadvantage. |
Addressing everyday ageism at the individual level is a crucial step toward dismantling the institutional systems that perpetuate age-based discrimination. By raising awareness of our own biases and challenging them in our daily lives, we can create a ripple effect that leads to more equitable policies and practices for people of all ages. For further reading on combating prejudice and improving aging-related discourse, explore the resources from the Reframing Aging Initiative.
Conclusion: Fostering a more age-inclusive world
Everyday ageism, while often subtle, has a pervasive and detrimental impact on the health and well-being of older adults. It erodes self-esteem, contributes to poor physical and mental health, and reinforces negative stereotypes that can affect entire generations. Recognizing and challenging these microaggressions in our daily lives, from how we interact with others to what media we consume, is a vital step toward creating a more age-inclusive society. By embracing positive views on aging and advocating for systemic change, we can foster a world where everyone is valued for their individual contributions, rather than judged by their age. Ultimately, a society free of ageism benefits us all, as it promotes healthier aging and a deeper sense of community connection across generations.
