— Ageism —

What is Ageism?

World Health Organization’s tells us: “Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”

Ageism affects everyone, particularly older adults who are either victimized by systemic oppression and negative beliefs about aging or by their own internalized beliefs they’ve acquired across their lifetime.

If you’ve ever overheard someone addressing an older adult in a childlike way because they believe that the older person is compromised due to being older then you’ve witnessed ageism. Or perhaps you’ve heard someone dismiss an idea or thought presented by a younger adult because of their age then, once again, you’ve witnessed ageism.

World Health Organization’s tells us: “Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age.”

WHAT can we do to challenge Ageism?

1 Challenge your own views about ageism! Have you ever thought of older adults as a bother, compromised, non-contributing to society, or refused to hire someone based on their age regardless of skills and experience, or dismissed a younger adult as irresponsible and not worthy of being heard?
2 Be self aware and conscious of “othering” groups which can lead to ageist thoughts and behavior. For example, dismissing an entire group of young people with comments like “all millennials are irresponsible and entitled” or telling jokes that demean someone based on their age.
3 Be conscious of older adults being mistreated, abused, or neglected based on their age.

REMEMBER… the cost of ageism is high!

Ageism impacts our society financially, socially, and greatly impacts our healthcare system. Victims of ageism suffer social isolation, lower life expectancy, higher rate of illness, and increased healthcare costs that impact all of us.

YOU can make a difference!

Challenge those who exhibit ageist behaviour in front of you! Be self aware of ageist thoughts and stereotyping certain groups and educate yourself and others on the subject. Advocate against ageism particularly as it impacts older adults in our society.