The profound impact of ageism on individual health
Research has consistently shown that ageism has serious consequences for an individual's physical and mental health. The stress from experiencing everyday age-based discrimination can take a significant toll over time.
- Poorer mental health: Ageism is linked to a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction. It contributes to psychological stress and can lead to internalized negative perceptions of one's own aging, which exacerbates mental health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of cases of depression worldwide are attributable to ageism.
- Detrimental physical health: Those with negative age beliefs have worse health outcomes, including an increased risk of cardiovascular events, slower recovery from disability, and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky health behaviors like unhealthy eating or smoking. A study found that people with more positive views on aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those with negative attitudes.
- Lowered self-esteem and confidence: Constant exposure to ageist stereotypes, whether from media or interpersonal interactions, can reduce a person's self-worth. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, further impacting overall well-being.
- Improper healthcare: Ageist biases among healthcare professionals can lead to serious consequences for older patients, such as missed or delayed diagnoses, less aggressive or inappropriate treatment, and being excluded from clinical trials.
The economic toll of ageism in the workplace
Beyond individual harm, ageism has a significant negative effect on the economy and innovation. It leads to the underutilization of a valuable segment of the workforce, costing billions of dollars annually.
- Lost productivity: When older workers are forced into early retirement or denied promotions and training opportunities, organizations lose their extensive experience and institutional knowledge. The AARP estimated that in 2018, age discrimination against older workers resulted in $850 billion in unrealized U.S. gross domestic product.
- Higher healthcare costs: The health consequences of ageism translate into higher healthcare expenditures. One study found that ageism was responsible for $63 billion in excess annual healthcare costs in the U.S. for the eight most expensive health conditions among adults 60 and older.
- Stifled innovation: Multigenerational teams have been shown to be more innovative and effective at problem-solving. Excluding older or younger employees based on age deprives a company of diverse perspectives and creative solutions, limiting its competitive edge.
- Loss of institutional knowledge: An ageist workplace culture that neglects to invest in older employees risks losing decades of accumulated wisdom and expertise when these employees eventually leave.
The benefits of a multigenerational workplace
An inclusive and respectful workplace that embraces employees of all ages fosters a number of benefits for the entire organization and its staff.
Multigenerational Workforce vs. Homogeneous Teams
| Feature | Multigenerational Workforce | Homogeneous Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation | Enhanced creativity and problem-solving through diverse perspectives. | Can suffer from groupthink and a limited range of ideas. |
| Knowledge Transfer | Natural mentorship flows both ways, from older to younger and younger to older, bridging knowledge gaps. | Institutional knowledge is more likely to be siloed and lost when experienced employees retire. |
| Customer Insight | A better understanding of a diverse customer base, leading to more effective marketing and product development. | Limited insight into customer preferences outside of their own age demographic. |
| Employee Retention | Higher employee engagement and loyalty across all age groups, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. | Higher risk of turnover as employees may feel undervalued or overlooked for development. |
| Adaptability | Increased resilience and ability to respond to market changes by combining different experiences and approaches. | May struggle to adapt quickly to new trends or technologies without fresh perspectives. |
Strengthening social cohesion and individual well-being
Reducing ageism is about more than just economics and health outcomes; it's about building a more compassionate and equitable society for everyone. Ageism affects us all, not just older adults, and can impact younger people who may be underestimated or dismissed because of their age.
By challenging stereotypes and fostering positive perceptions of aging, society can enable people to lead more engaged and dignified lives at every stage. This requires concerted efforts in multiple sectors, from media representation to inclusive policies and daily interactions. Education and intergenerational contact programs have proven effective in reducing ageist attitudes. By creating an age-inclusive society, we improve conditions not only for older adults today but also for our future selves.
Ultimately, tackling ageism is an investment in human dignity and collective well-being. It is a pathway toward building stronger, more resilient communities that value the unique contributions of individuals throughout their entire lifespan.
To learn more about practical strategies for combating ageism, explore the World Health Organization's Global Report on Ageism.
