The news seems to be filled with conversation around varying sources of inequality and prejudice such as gender, race, economic status and citizenship status. What many do not realize is that there is a very serious and pernicious prejudice that is being sparked by the largest demographic changes in recorded history. It reminds me of a Buffalo Springfield song- “…Something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear. “ It turns out that a good part of our society and culture sees aging as a disease to be cured or a problem to be fixed, not as a natural and positive part of life. Take a look at some of the consequences of ageism;
- One study reported that over 70% of older adults reported they have been insulted or mistreated based on their age. (https://www.asaging.org/blog/pernicious-problem-ageism)
- Age limits our ability to be hired or rehired. A study done by ProPublica reported more than half of older workers have been pushed out of jobs before they choose to leave! https://www.propublica.org/article/older-workers-united-states-pushed-out-of-work-forced-retirement
- Our businesses, social service organizations and government have failed to recognize the tremendous contribution that experienced older adults can make (regardless of their age).
- Ageism impacts the health and well being of older adults. The Yale School of Health in 2018 calculated that over $64 billion has been spent on healthcare as a result of this. Read article here.
On a personal note- I have heard from hundreds of adults we have worked with over the years at Encore Tampa Bay, giving me examples of being marginalized or dismissed primarily because of their age. These are healthy, active, experienced adults ready to contribute their talents in the community well into their 70’s!!
The movement has begun! We need to raise awareness and to educate individuals and organizations on ways to reframe aging- by changing the language, attitudes and perceptions of older adults. Reframing Aging was a big theme and focus at our National Encore Summit in November, with Encore and AARP leading the charge!!
What can be done?
According to a recent article, by Jeanette Leardi, there are three specific ways that we can ALL take action to fight this pervasive age discrimination.
- It starts with personal strategies that older adults can take, and being aware of what we are fighting for. For example, we often compensate when we can’t remember something by saying this is a “senior moment”. Heck – people of all ages can’t remember things from time to time!!
- Next is encouraging businesses to recognize and dismiss common myths about older workers. This means setting new business standards for creating an Age Friendly workplace that benefits both the worker and the employer!
- Finally, taking a public stance by working with communities, governments and agencies that serve older adults to reframe public policies, messaging and infrastructures. One big way that Encore and Generation to Generation are taking this on is by breaking down Generational Silos where young people can see older adults in a different light.
I believe we can start by reframing aging and changing the narrative of older adults so that we are viewed as the “Silver Lining” and NOT the “Silver Tsunami”. The Frameworks Institute has taken huge strides by showing how we can shift how people are thinking about aging and ageism through training and tools for talking. Encore Tampa Bay is jumping on this “bandwagon” over the next year with this important campaign! Together we can make this world a better place to grow older!! Stay tuned!
