Did you know that there are currently around 600 million people aged 60 and over worldwide? This number will double by 2025 and reach 1.4 billion by 2030. The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States is 85 and older. As you read these numbers, what was your immediate reaction? Be honest. It just might give you a clue about what ageism is.
Ageism is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudices (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.” The definition from Dictionary.com is harsher: “a tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention, or unsuitable for employment.”
I think we can all agree that ageism not only exists in the US, but it is thriving. Some people refer to it as the most prevalent form of prejudice that exists today. I don’t care to argue that point, but I am positive we can all agree that ageism actually hurts all of us, just like any other prejudice.
I love the quote “Ageism is a prejudice against our future selves,” from the Journal on Social Justice. Doesn’t that put things into perspective! If you live long enough to be in this category, do you want to be valued, respected, honored for your life wisdom, or overlooked, talked down to, and underappreciated?
According to AARP one in five workers is the US (33 million) is age 55 or older. Sixty-four percent say they have experienced or seen discrimination at work, according to Mike Podesto, writing for Linked In. Ageism can start well before one turns sixty. I am sure that a few readers in their 50’s have experienced ageism as well. The good news is that many employers have learned that this group of people are invaluable workers, have a strong work ethic, and years of invaluable experience. “Employees are not commodities. They do not depreciate with age”, says Mr. Podesto. They can act as mentors, help train, and are worth paying more!
Yet consider how older people are portrayed in the media. I am appalled at some of the ridiculous television commercials I see that are offensive. “Make sure you aren’t behaving like your older parents,” is a common theme in one of the insurance commercials frequently on TV. While I see some attempts at improved stories and images in movies and ads, most still show older adults as lacking or incompetent in some way. This is ageism. Calling an older person honey or sweetie is demeaning, even if you are just trying to be nice.
If you understand that ageism intersects with an exacerbates all other discriminatory “isms,” like ableism, racism, and sexism, then you might take it as seriously as it needs to be, according to the American Society on Aging, (ASA) who named October 6th “Ageism Awareness Day.” Ageism can be found in our national healthcare policies, insurance options, employment, and salary discrimination, and more. ASA is working hard to change how we view aging. “Aging is not a problem, says ASA President/CEO Peter Kaldes, “Ageism is. We want to reframe how we talk about aging as the natural process of life…and promote representation of older adults… as the experienced and unique individuals they are, engaged with the well-being of their families, communities, and the world.”
In fact, according to the ASA, ageism can decrease quality of life and shorten lifespan by 7.5 years according to the latest research. I have a dear 92-year-old friend who told me she is regularly ignored, and not spoken to and “feels invisible at times.” How long could you tolerate being treated like this and not be affected?
According to the United Nations, who celebrated International Day of Older Persons Oct. 6 this year, one in two people are ageist. If 50% of the world’s population think, act, and feel negatively towards their older neighbors, family, friends, or even parents, we are in trouble. As this population continues to grow and longevity increases, we need a radical shift in how we see “seniors.” So, before you say, “OK Boomer,” think twice. Fast forward into your own future: treat those around you that fall in to “older persons” category with the kindness and respect they deserve. Help reshape aging in our country and improve your karma at the same time. Your future self will thank you.
Clay Hodge | http://mst3claye.deviantart.com
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