Is Ageism the new face of Racism?

Unfortunately, Ageism affects everyone, be it an adult or a child. It has been observed many times that children as young as 4 become aware of stereotyping that occurs within their culture. And from that age onwards, they internalize and use these stereotypes to guide their feelings and behaviour towards people of different ages. Furthermore, one of the biggest problems of Ageism is that it triggers the exacerbation of other forms of discriminations, including those related to sex, race and disability.   

Sadly, in the times we live, Ageism seems to have spread its tentacles everywhere: from our institutions and relationships to ourselves. For example, Ageism is seen in policies that support healthcare rationing by age. In addition, it can also be seen in practices that limit younger people’s opportunities to contribute in decision-making within the workplace, patronizing behaviour used in interactions with older and younger people, and in self-limiting behaviour, which can stem from internalized stereotypes about what a person of a given age can or cannot do. 

 The harsh reality of Ageism then is that, it can change how we view ourselves, can erode solidarity between generations, can devalue or limit our ability to benefit from what younger and older populations can contribute, and it can also impact our health, longevity and well-being while also having far-reaching economic consequences. For example, a research study shows that Ageism is responsible for early death (by 7.5 years), poorer physical and mental health, and slower recovery from disability in older age. It has also been found that Ageism also increases risky health behaviours, such as eating an unhealthy diet, drinking excessively or smoking, and eventually reducing the quality of our life. Additionally, in the United States, one in every seven dollars spent on health care every year for the eight most expensive conditions was due to Ageism. 

Now, when it comes to countering the problem of Ageism in society directly, three strategies work in reducing or eliminating it. They include Policy and law, educational activities and intergenerational interventions. Policy and law can help eliminate discrimination and inequality based on age and protect the human rights of everyone, everywhere. On the other hand, educational activities can enhance empathy, dispel misconceptions about different age groups, and reduce prejudice by providing accurate information and counter-stereotypical examples. Moreover, what in reality is required to deal with Ageism is Intergenerational interventions, which bring together people of different generations, and therefore can serve as a balm to help soothe the deep wound caused by intergroup prejudices and stereotypes existing in human society today.