The term “ageism” was first coined in 1969 by psychiatrist Robert Neil Butler to describe prejudice against older people, drawing a parallel to sexism and racism. However, the definition has since broadened to encompass bias against any age group, both young and old. It exists not only in blatant acts but also in subtle, everyday assumptions that most people don't even recognize as harmful. Research from a 2019 National Poll on Healthy Aging, for example, found that 93.4% of US adults aged 50-80 reported regularly experiencing at least one form of everyday ageism. Understanding the core components of ageism—stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination—is crucial for recognizing its presence and impact. Stereotypes are generalizations about how we think about a particular age group, such as all young people being irresponsible or all older people being technologically inept. Prejudice describes the feelings we hold toward an age group, like patronizing an older person or resenting a younger colleague. Finally, discrimination is the action or behavior that follows, such as denying a job opportunity based on age.
The Three Types of Ageism
Ageism operates at multiple levels of society and can be categorized into three main types, illustrating its widespread and deeply ingrained nature.
- Institutional Ageism: This form refers to the social norms, rules, and practices within institutions that unfairly discriminate against individuals based on age. Examples include company policies that encourage or force retirement at a certain age, or healthcare systems that ration resources based on a patient's age. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some states implemented crisis standards of care that controversially prioritized younger patients over older ones for scarce resources like ventilators. This form of ageism is particularly insidious because it is often presented as a neutral policy, masking its discriminatory impact.
- Interpersonal Ageism: This involves the biased thoughts, feelings, and actions that occur between individuals. This is the most common and visible type of ageism, manifesting in derogatory language, off-hand jokes, or condescending "elderspeak". An older person might be dismissed as “out of touch,” while a younger person’s leadership abilities might be questioned because of their perceived lack of experience. These seemingly small interactions chip away at a person's dignity and self-worth over time.
- Self-Directed Ageism: This occurs when individuals internalize negative stereotypes about their own age group. A person might blame forgetting something on a “senior moment” or believe they are too old to learn a new skill, limiting their own potential. This form is especially damaging as it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, impacting one's health and well-being. A study found that older adults who have more positive attitudes toward aging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative beliefs.
The Far-Reaching Impacts of Ageism
Ageism has significant economic, health, and social consequences that affect both individuals and society at large.
- Economic Impact: Ageism in the workplace is rampant and costly. A 2021 AARP study found that 78% of workers aged 40-65 had experienced or witnessed age discrimination in the workplace. This can manifest as unfair hiring practices, denial of promotions or training opportunities, and pushing older, more experienced workers into premature retirement. One US study showed that ageism led to excess annual healthcare costs of $63 billion for the eight most expensive health conditions, accounting for one in every seven dollars spent on those conditions for Americans over 60. Furthermore, if 5% more people aged 55 or older were employed in Australia, it would generate an extra $48 billion for the national economy each year.
- Health and Well-being Impact: Ageism is linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. The World Health Organization estimates that 6.3 million cases of depression globally can be attributed to the effects of ageism. It can lead to increased social isolation, loneliness, and greater financial insecurity. For older adults, internalized ageism is a risk factor for suicidal ideation, and experiencing it increases the odds of poor mental health and depressive symptoms. It can also create a chronic stress response in the body, damaging biological systems and leading to higher rates of cardiovascular events and even higher rates and earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease. In healthcare, ageism can lead to undertreatment or undertesting based on age alone, resulting in missed or delayed diagnoses and preventable complications.
- Social Impact: Ageism erodes the bonds of intergenerational solidarity by fostering resentment and misunderstanding between age groups. Negative stereotypes in media portrayals and everyday conversations perpetuate myths that devalue the contributions of both younger and older generations. For example, the stereotype that older adults should reduce social activities can lead to exclusion and loneliness, despite many reporting good quality of life in older age. Combating ageism is not just an issue for older adults but for building a more cohesive and respectful society for everyone.
Comparison of Generational Stereotypes
| Aspect | Common Stereotypes of Older Adults | Common Stereotypes of Younger Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace | Technologically inept, resistant to change, less energetic, nearing retirement | Lack experience, irresponsible, not loyal to their employer, entitled |
| Health | Frail, physically and mentally debilitated, forgetful, grumpy | Impulsive, invulnerable, and less affected by health crises |
| Social Life | Socially isolated, lonely, withdrawn, and passive | Self-absorbed, obsessed with social media, and emotionally fragile |
| Contribution | Have had their turn, less innovative, and a burden on society | Lack wisdom, naive, and have nothing valuable to teach older generations |
Conclusion
Ageism is a deeply entrenched and complex issue that manifests in stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination across all levels of society. From institutional policies that limit opportunity based on age to the unconscious biases we all hold, its effects are far-reaching and harmful. It significantly impacts the physical, mental, and economic well-being of individuals, regardless of their age, and damages the social fabric by fostering division and devaluing diverse life experiences. Recognizing the different forms of ageism—institutional, interpersonal, and self-directed—is the first critical step toward addressing it. By promoting awareness, challenging negative stereotypes in our language and media, and implementing age-inclusive policies, we can work toward a more equitable and respectful society for people of all ages. This collective effort not only improves the lives of those currently affected but also builds a better future for everyone as they age.
How to Address Ageism
Addressing ageism requires a multi-pronged approach that targets individual biases, institutional practices, and broader societal norms. Here are key strategies for making a positive impact:
- Promote education and awareness to challenge deeply held biases and stereotypes about different age groups.
- Encourage intergenerational dialogue and contact to build empathy and understanding, such as through mentorship programs in the workplace.
- Advocate for age-inclusive policies and laws that ensure fair treatment in employment, healthcare, and other sectors.
- Be mindful of language and media portrayals, avoiding ageist jokes and using empowering, accurate language when discussing aging.
- Reflect on and address your own implicit biases by acknowledging assumptions you may hold about people of different ages.
