Combating Ageism

Discrimination continues to be an issue in America, and age is one of the most common forms of discrimination behind race. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 93 percent of seniors say they regularly experience ageism, most commonly people assuming they can’t operate a smartphone or don’t contribute anything of value to their community. The same report also finds that 65 percent of seniors regularly hear jokes suggesting they’re not attractive or desirable because of their age, and 45 percent say they interact with others concerned about their ability to do things independently.

These signs of discrimination are ageist, which many individuals are combating throughout their workplaces and the rest of society.

What is ageism?

Ageism is when a person or entity discriminates against someone because of their age. A person can experience age discrimination for being too young, but ageism is more often toward seniors for being too old. 

Sometimes ageism happens in the workplace, where experienced company employees treat older workers differently, or hiring teams refuse to hire someone past a certain age. Some seniors also experience forced retirement when a company pushes someone to retire to move a younger person into their position.

Age discrimination can happen outside of work. Some businesses might not have accessibility options for seniors or may refuse to serve or work with seniors because of made-up ideas that seniors aren’t as important as others.

Tips for combating ageism

Whether you’re a senior facing ageism or a younger adult witnessing ageism, consider these tips to help combat the negative connotation associated with aging.

Educate yourself and others

Ageism stems from the stereotype that older adults become helpless as they age. While it’s factual that people experience physical and mental changes with age that may affect how they live, someone’s age doesn’t solely determine their capabilities. Take notice if you’re treating older adults differently, which can include talking down to seniors, refusing to accommodate them, or giving them less complicated tasks to complete at work because you don’t think they can operate at the same level as a younger employee. Remember to treat everyone equally and provide opportunities to all, regardless of age, race, or gender.

Support seniors

Getting older causes challenges, and sometimes seniors may need additional support. If you see an older adult who needs help, offer your assistance. Just because a senior may need help doesn’t mean they cannot work efficiently or care for themselves. And if you witness ageism, whether at work or in public, consider supporting the older individual by asking if they’re okay. Sometimes the acknowledgment of their worth from another person can significantly help.

Speak up

Don’t be afraid to speak up if you witness ageism or any other form of discrimination. If you notice something going on at work, such as a manager taking projects or responsibilities away from an older coworker, report the potential ageism to your HR department. If you notice a business you don’t work at but visit, such as a restaurant or coffee shop being disrespectful to older patrons or employees, ask to speak with a manager or, in extreme cases, file a complaint to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

What to do if you experience ageism at work

Every person desires to work and explore new job opportunities regardless of age. If you experience age discrimination in the workplace, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act is a federal law designed to protect people 40 and older from ageism at work. This act also protects older adults from forced retirement.

If you experience age discrimination at work, you can file a charge with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every discrimination complaint is unique; filling a complaint may be enough to see changes at workouts. However, you can hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit if you want to take additional steps.

Combating Ageism with Visiting Angels

Society tries putting limitations on people as they age. One of those limitations is making seniors and their families believe independent living is impossible. Visiting Angels is here to reimagine what independent living looks like for seniors, no matter their situation.

Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency providing at-home care services to seniors throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Our professional caregivers assist clients with nonmedical services to help them live safely and comfortably at home. Services may include medication reminders, meal preparations, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and transportation.

All services with Visiting Angels are customizable to meet the needs and expectations of each client. Learn more about our services by calling 251-943-7525 or message us.