What is ageism and how can we stop it?

Here we explore the effect that ageism can have on our community and what we can do to combat the negative attitudes that exist around ageing.

What is ageism?

Ageism refers to the discrimination an individual or group experiences based on their age. Ageism can affect any age group, but is most often experienced by those who physically appear to be older.

Once an individual reaches a certain age or starts to develop grey hairs, younger generations may begin to treat these adults differently. Sometimes, this is because of the generalisation that all older people are frail based on a negative stereotype, need help and are given it – even if the older person hasn’t asked for assistance or expressed a need.

There is no definitive age when a person can be perceived as ‘old’, so ageism can occur at any point. When physical impairments and visible signs of ageing become more apparent, a person may start to notice they experience more negative attitudes.

According to EveryAGE Counts, the negative impact that ageism can have on an older person’s confidence, health, and quality of life can be profound. Ageism can also affect how we view and think about ourselves and ageing in general.

Distorted attitudes towards ageing don’t just affect individuals, they can also deny communities the benefits that older people can provide, both economically and socially.

Ageism might also be a contributing factor for older job seekers who have difficulty getting hired or re-hired. Age Matters is working with the AHRC and EveryAGE Counts to increase mature workforce participation.

What are the negative stereotypes surrounding ageing?

Ageism is not always obvious, sometimes it is subtle and often appears in the way we use language. While it may seem harmless to make a joke at older people’s expense, the reality is these jokes contribute to negative stereotypes and can distort our attitudes to older people and ageing.

Research by the AHRC shows that older Australians feel the media plays a significant role in the portrayal of older people, where they are typically shown as weak, victims, or in poor health. Social media also tends to show older people in a more negative light. With younger people more likely to engage with social media, this distortion can affect their view of older generations.

Some of the most common negative stereotypes surrounding ageing are that old people:

• Are more likely to have health issues
• Have difficulty completing complex tasks
• Don’t care about their appearance
• Are more likely to be forgetful
• Can’t hear that well
• Have difficulty learning new things
• Are bad drivers
• Don’t like change
• Complain a lot
• Have a short temper

How can I combat ageism?

Many believe there is a need for the media to provide more content based on the contributions that older people make to Australia, instead of the negative perceptions that are often reinforced by the media. This can be achieved, not just through sharing stories of the impact that older people had in their youth, but more specifically how they are currently contributing to society.

Older Australians have a wide range of knowledge and skills to pass down to younger generations through teaching and mentoring. Retirees in particular are called upon to provide support to family members, often helping look after grandchildren, but of course they are more than just baby sitters.

There are many ways to stop ageism, here are a few that can be used at any time:

• Start to recognise instances of ageism, especially those that are not obvious
• Explain why it is unacceptable when you encounter it
• Reframe your own perception of ageing and the way you think about it
• Don’t let other people’s ageism influence decisions you make about your life