As a woman and a person of color, I am familiar with prejudicial attitudes and practices of discrimination. Yet, despite our social progress with race and gender equality over the last century, we are woefully out of touch with another prevalent and elusive social ill called ageism.
Colorado Senior Workers
The American Psychological Association says ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices and Virginia Commonwealth University’s research concludes that ageism has been normalized of being invisible. Why is ageism so widely accepted in modern society? Theoretically, we understand that ageism is prejudiced attitudes, stereotyping, and discriminatory practices against individuals based on age and that it can be directed at both the young and old. Furthermore, implicit biases or stereotypes (how we think), often make it difficult to recognize prejudicial attitudes (how we feel), which can lead to discrimination (how we act).
Ageism, targeted at an older population can take the form of well-intentioned negative language, which can sound like: “You know how to tweet???” “You look good for your age” “He’s having a senior moment” and “Age is not an excuse for not staying on top of technology.”
Ageism can take the form of negative actions such as discussing a person with a third party.
while the person is present with talking “around” a person. This occurs often in medical and
caregiving situations. The assumption is that the person cannot speak for themselves or
understand that they are the topic of conversation.
CNN Health reported in 2021 that Joanne Whitney, an 84 year old retired associate clinical professor of pharmacy from the University of California-San Francisco, was summarily ignored by an ER physician who wanted to administer an antibiotic that she knew wouldn’t treat her urinary tract infection. The physician refused to listen, even after being told of her credentials. Fortunately, an outpatient renal facility changed her prescription. Feeling invisible is a common complaint in emergency rooms, medical offices, nursing facilities, and residential communities.
What we cannot fail to realize is that ageism and ageist attitudes directly impact all of society. It’s true that between 2020 and 2050, the population of people over 80 years of age is expected to triple globally. Hence, the quality of our future lives depends upon the attitudes we cultivate today. According to a study by Becca Levy, who wrote Breaking the Age Code, revealed that the attitudes we have about aging have everything to do with our own self-perceptions. Her study concluded that a more positive self-perception about aging will increase our life span.
The crux of the matter is ageism is pervasive in our world. We make fun of getting older, we buy greeting cards that poke fun at aging, we sigh and laugh about “senior moments.” We tolerate and encourage ageist beliefs, not recognizing the detrimental effect on others, the impact on society, or the self-harm caused by our limiting beliefs about age. So, how do we turn the tide of this negative influence on society? A three-step process is highly recommended:
1. Reflect – learn the language, thoughts, and actions of ageism. Listen to your words and thoughts. Listen to others. Recognize the subtleties of ageist attitudes.
2. Educate – retrain your thinking and actions. Address ageism within yourself, address ageism in others, address ageism in your community.
3. Participate in the movement against ageism is growing. Take a free course, alone or with others, join campaigns, or access resources.
There are many ways to grow beyond ageism, to affect change in society, and to protect our own futures. We put great effort into living longer, eating healthier, and exercising. It only makes sense to address the emotional, social, and physical well-being that comes with a healthy attitude towards aging. For more information, visit silverwingsartsprogram.org or call 720-436-6397 or 970-480-7505. Email seniorsitterscolorado@gmail.com. Submitted by Jocelyn A. Brown, PhD, founder, and director of Silver Wings Arts program.