What drives the stigma against older people?
Ageism is a deeply ingrained and systemic issue with several complex root causes that fuel negative stereotypes and prejudice against older individuals. Unlike other forms of prejudice, ageism can be unintentionally perpetuated, making it difficult to detect and confront.
Psychological and evolutionary factors
One leading theory is the terror management theory, which suggests that the negative bias against older individuals helps people, particularly the younger population, to cope with the fear of their own mortality. By distancing themselves from older people, they also distance themselves from reminders of death and aging. The social identity theory suggests that people enhance their own self-image by elevating their own age group and devaluing other age groups, particularly older people. This often leads to negative stereotypes that reinforce a perceived group hierarchy.
Socio-cultural and systemic influences
Historically, the rise of industrialization and mass media diminished the traditional role of older adults as primary sources of knowledge and wisdom. This societal shift contributed to the perception of older adults as less useful or adaptable. On a systemic level, ageist attitudes are present in policies and practices across institutions. For example, healthcare rationing based on age is prevalent, and age-inclusive research is often neglected.
Media portrayal and interpersonal interactions
Negative and stereotypical portrayals of older adults in media, advertisements, and social media reinforce societal biases. Older people are often depicted as frail, forgetful, or a burden, or are simply unrepresented. The quality of intergenerational contact is also a major factor. Limited and negative interactions with older adults in everyday life can lead younger people to harbor ageist beliefs.
The devastating impacts of ageism
The stigma against older people, or ageism, has serious and far-reaching consequences that affect individuals and society as a whole. The effects touch physical health, mental well-being, financial security, and social participation.
Mental and physical health consequences
Research has linked ageism with poorer physical and mental health outcomes, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The internalization of negative age stereotypes can erode a person's self-esteem and lead to harmful health behaviors, such as noncompliance with medication. One study showed that older adults with more positive attitudes toward aging live over 7 years longer than those with negative attitudes. Ageism also negatively impacts cognitive function and is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular events.
Workplace and economic effects
Ageism in the workplace is a pervasive issue that can lead to discrimination in hiring, promotions, and training opportunities. Older workers are often stereotyped as being less productive or tech-savvy, despite evidence that experience and productivity often increase with age. This can force older workers into early retirement, leading to greater financial insecurity. In the U.S., ageism is estimated to have led to billions of dollars in excess healthcare costs due to poorer health outcomes for older adults.
Healthcare discrimination
In healthcare settings, ageism manifests in many forms. This can include undertreatment, where treatable symptoms are dismissed as normal aging, or overtreatment with unnecessary procedures. Healthcare providers may also engage in “elderspeak,” using a condescending, oversimplified tone when speaking to older patients. This dehumanizing communication style can lead to distrust, worse patient outcomes, and a reluctance to seek medical care.
Comparison of internal vs. external ageism
Ageism can be both an external force of societal bias and an internalized belief system that an individual holds about their own aging. The table below compares these two forms of ageism.
| Aspect | Internalized Ageism (Self-Directed) | External Ageism (Societal/Institutional) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An individual's unconscious application of societal age stereotypes to themselves. | Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination from others or within institutions toward older people. |
| Mechanism | As people age, they absorb and internalize negative cultural messages about aging, leading to self-limiting behaviors and negative self-perceptions. | Negative attitudes manifest through ageist comments, biased policies, and discriminatory actions in interpersonal and systemic contexts. |
| Impact on Health | Predicts poorer health outcomes, including reduced longevity, increased stress, and lower self-worth. | Leads to denied access to health services, poor patient-provider communication, and undertreatment of conditions. |
| Contexts | Affects one's own mindset about their abilities, health, and future potential as they grow older. | Appears in hiring practices, advertising, media portrayals, healthcare allocation, and general social interactions. |
| Mitigation | Challenging personal negative thoughts about aging and using empowering language. | Implementing age-inclusive policies, education, intergenerational programs, and advocating for anti-discrimination laws. |
Addressing and overcoming the stigma
Combating ageism requires a multi-pronged approach involving self-reflection, education, and advocacy. Both individuals and institutions play a critical role in fostering a more age-inclusive society.
Personal strategies to combat ageism
- Challenge your own biases: Become aware of and actively question your own assumptions about aging. Notice and correct self-deprecating remarks about age, such as “having a senior moment”.
- Promote intergenerational contact: Seek out friendships and activities with people of different generations. These interactions help to break down stereotypes and build empathy.
- Stay active and engaged: Remain involved in hobbies, community activities, and new challenges to demonstrate your capabilities and challenge others' low expectations.
- Use empowering language: Be mindful of language that reinforces stereotypes. Advocate for the use of respectful terminology like "older adults" or "people over age X," rather than infantilizing terms.
Institutional and policy-based solutions
- Enforce anti-discrimination laws: Companies should not only adhere to laws like the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) but also strengthen internal policies to ensure fair treatment of employees of all ages in hiring, training, and promotion.
- Implement age-inclusive practices: Organizations can ensure fair hiring by removing age identifiers from applications and training managers to recognize and combat implicit biases. Promoting intergenerational mentorship and training can also foster a more inclusive workplace.
- Improve healthcare training: Medical schools and healthcare institutions must provide better gerontological education to help health professionals understand the unique needs of older patients and avoid ageist assumptions. A person-centered approach to care is essential.
- Challenge media portrayals: Support media that depicts older adults in positive, realistic, and diverse roles. Advocate for media literacy that helps people critically evaluate ageist narratives. The Reframing Aging Initiative is one such movement working to shift public perceptions.
Conclusion
The stigma against older people is a pervasive and harmful form of prejudice known as ageism, driven by psychological biases, systemic inequities, and negative media portrayals. It carries devastating consequences for individuals' physical and mental health, economic stability, and social inclusion. From dismissive attitudes in healthcare to discriminatory practices in the workplace, ageism profoundly impacts the well-being of older adults. Overcoming this stigma requires a concerted effort from all of society, starting with challenging our own internalized biases and fostering greater intergenerational connection. By implementing age-inclusive policies, improving education and training, and demanding more realistic representations of aging, we can create a more equitable and respectful society for people of all ages. Addressing ageism is not just about helping older people; it is about building a better future for everyone, at every stage of life.
