Combatting Ageism

Have you ever been treated unfairly or judged because of your age? That’s ageism. It’s how we think, feel and act towards people because of their age. Unfortunately, age discrimination is common, and it affects almost everyone - especially those who are older. In fact, 1 in 2 people are ageist against older people. Some examples would be using phrases such as:

You’re too experienced or over the hill
Can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Grumpy old man/ Little old lady

Or assuming that young people are computer geniuses and older people are technologically inept. We can actually be ageist against ourselves, such as thinking you’re not able to wear certain clothes, do certain activities, or having a “senior moment”.

Older women are particularly affected by ageist attitudes because they feel pressured to look younger.
Women may also have fewer job opportunities than men because of things like having children or taking care of others.
This can affect their financial security as may mean not having enough money for care and housing when they get older.

Ageism affects women more than men because women also face sexism. This is called gendered ageism.

How Can Ageism Affect Your Health?

Ageism affects your quality of life including your physical and mental health
You could develop stress, anxiety, and depression
You may start to think negatively about your own health and well-being, which could lead to being less motivated to take care of yourself
You may not get the right diagnosis or treatment if there are negative assumptions about your ability or worth
Limited work opportunities can affect your financial security
It could lead to social isolation and early death

How to Fight Ageism

The World Health Organization offers three evidence-backed strategies to combat ageism: policies, intergenerational activities and friendships, and education. What you can do:

Challenge your own biases
Speak up against ageism
Educate others about ageism and its harm
Challenge stereotypes and negative portrayals of older adults in media
Celebrate diversity in aging
Promote connections between different generations
Advocate for policies that help older adults
Support groups that fight ageism
Respect and value the contributions of older adults
Create inclusive communities and workplaces for people of all ages

Top 5 Recommended Communication Guides

Words and images are a powerful way to create an age-inclusive society. These resources provide insights and strategies for fostering empathy, bridging generational gaps and using respectful communications.

Words Are Powerful - A Style Guide For Writing And Speaking (Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism)
All – In: Age Inclusive Marketing (Google and National Council on Aging)
Gaining Momentum: A FrameWorks Communications Toolkit (FrameWorks)
Quick Guide to Avoid Ageism in Communication (World Health Organization)
Guidelines for Age-Inclusive Communication (Changing the Narrative)

Want more resources to combat ageism? Check out the below:

Uncovering Ageism in Health Care

As health care professionals, we have an important role to play in combating ageism and creating an age-inclusive practices. By recognizing the unique needs and preferences of older adults, we can provide care that promotes their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Below are some examples of ageism in healthcare and ways to enhance our practice.

Examples of Ageism in Health Care

Stereotyping

Healthcare providers may assume that certain health conditions are a normal part of aging, without fully investigating other possible causes.

Language

Healthcare professionals may use language that implies older adults are frail.

Under-Treatment

Older adults may not receive the same level of medical care or attention as younger patients, leading to missed diagnoses.

Assumptions About Quality Of Life

Healthcare providers may assume that older adults have a lower quality of life and may not offer them certain treatments or interventions.

Medication Management

Older adults may be under or over medicated, which negatively affects their quality of life and health status.

What You Can Do to End Ageism in Health Care

If you work in
healthcare

Check your biases and think about how your attitudes may affect your client’s medical treatment and drug prescriptions

If you are an
educator

Use stories to foster empathy and offer students real-life interactions with older people

If you are a
researcher

Use data that looks at differences between males and females and different age groups, and think about how things like race, sexuality, and money might also play a role in health

Want more information? Below you will find resources to help fight ageism in healthcare.

View Resources